| Glucosamine, also known as chitosamine or | | | | arthritis and chronic venous insufficiency. |
| glucosamine sulfate, is a compound that occurs | | | | How Glucosamine helps in Osteoarthritis |
| naturally in the body and is made up of glucose and | | | | Glucosamine supplements are commonly taken to |
| the amino acid, glutamine. | | | | alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly |
| The body needs glucosamine in order to produce | | | | knee arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage loses its |
| glycosaminoglycan, which is a molecule employed in | | | | elasticity and stiffens, causing a lot of swelling, pain |
| the repair and formation of body tissues, including | | | | and loss of movement and making the joint more |
| cartilage. Glucosamine is very effective in alleviating | | | | prone to damage. Glucosamine supplements augment |
| pain caused by osteoarthritis, renewing synovial fluid, | | | | the body's reduced levels of natural glucosamine, |
| repairing joints and rehabilitating cartilage that has | | | | which is vital in repairing damaged cartilage and in |
| been damaged due to the onset of osteoarthritis. | | | | producing new cartilage. Extensive studies have |
| Why Glucosamine supplements are necessary | | | | indicated that glucosamine supplements are highly |
| Every individual produces a certain amount of | | | | effective in reducing symptoms of knee |
| glucosamine within their body. This production of | | | | osteoarthritis and in retarding its progress. |
| glucosamine slows down as a person ages resulting in | | | | Possible Side Effects Caused by Glucosamine |
| the hardening of the cartilage in weigh-bearing joints | | | | Most studies involving human beings have indicated |
| including the hips, wrists, elbows and knees. | | | | that usage of glucosamine in the short-term is |
| Progressive hardening of the cartilage causes bone | | | | well-tolerated. Side effects are non-fatal and could |
| spurs, which results in deformed joints accompanied | | | | include headaches, drowsiness and insomnia. Short |
| by a lot of pain and limited movement of the joints. | | | | term usage of glucosamine could also cause a range |
| Glucosamine, which is available as a nutritional | | | | of mild and temporary digestive complaints including |
| supplement in drug stores and health food stores, is | | | | poor appetite, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain, |
| often combined with chondroitin sulfate, a molecule | | | | vomiting and constipation. |
| that occurs naturally in the cartilage. Chondroitin | | | | Since shellfish is one of the brands of several |
| contributes towards the elasticity of the cartilage and | | | | glucosamine supplement brands, it is vital that people |
| prevents its destruction by enzymes. | | | | who are allergic to shellfish should ensure that the |
| Some of the benefits of glucosamine include: | | | | glucosamine supplement they purchase has not been |
| Rehabilitation of damaged cartilage | | | | made from shellfish. It is important to keep in mind |
| Pain relief from osteoarthritis | | | | that printing the source of glucosamine on the label is |
| Slowing down cartilage deterioration that is caused by | | | | not required by law, in which case you will have to |
| osteoarthritis | | | | call the manufacturer to confirm whether the |
| Enhanced mobility of the joint | | | | glucosamine is or is not manufactured form shellfish. |
| Boost in production of glucosaminoglycans, | | | | In doses that are used to treat osteoarthritis, |
| proteoglycans and synovial fluid | | | | evidence seems to suggest that glucosamine had an |
| Other conditions for which glucosamine supplements | | | | adverse effect on the hemoglobin, insulin and blood |
| are recommended include inflammatory bowel disease | | | | sugar levels in individuals who were insulin resistant or |
| ( ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), rheumatoid | | | | those who had diabetes. |