Are you considering adding glucosamine to your wellness routine but feel overwhelmed by all the information about it? This blog will help you get a true understanding of glucosamine supplements, their importance, and things to consider before including them in your routine.
What Is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino-monosaccharide or amino sugar that is naturally found in cartilage, the main connective tissue that protects the long end of the bones. A lack of glucosamine in the body causes the cartilage to gradually deteriorate.
These biochemical changes are the main contributors to degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis in more than 58 million people, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What Are the Best Sources of Glucosamine?
There is no known natural source of glucosamine that can be directly consumed. It is only found in the shells of crabs, lobsters, or shrimp. Consuming shells by themselves or in any other form is not recommended. Furthermore, according to studies, the ability of the body to produce glucosamine gets impaired with age.
So if questions like should I take glucosamine or which glucosamine should I take have been bothering you then the answer is here!
The only way to replenish the levels of this essential compound in your body is through high-quality glucosamine supplements. These supplements have high bioavailability, which means that they are readily absorbed in the body and benefit the joints when taken regularly in appropriate dosage.
Benefits of Glucosamine
There are several evidence-backed and long-term benefits of glucosamine supplements in reducing the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis. These include:
1. Reduces Joint Pain
Mild or severe joint pain is one of the main symptoms of osteoarthritis. Though this condition may affect any of the joints in the body, the weight-bearing joints such as the knee and hip are the most affected.
Glucosamine acts as a chondroprotective agent and prevents the narrowing of joint spaces and reduces cartilage volume loss, as per research. It has also been shown to lower pain in patients with osteoarthritis by preventing collagen degradation.
2. Treats Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against diseases and infections. When there is an increased enzymatic activity without an external trigger, it leads to chronic inflammation. This plays a major role in the early onset of osteoarthritis. It also increases a person’s risk of other serious conditions such as type-2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
Numerous studies have shown that glucosamine possesses anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the levels of cytokines and C-reactive proteins, which are major inflammation-causing compounds.
Also Read: 9 Health Benefits of Turmeric Supplements
Things to Be Kept in Mind
It is often recommended to consume glucosamine supplements along with your meals. Doing this minimizes gastrointestinal symptoms and ensures better absorption.
However, glucosamine supplements have certain contraindications. These include:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- People with conditions such as asthma, high cholesterol, glaucoma, type-2 diabetes, heart disease, or, high blood pressure.
- Those who are on blood thinners or certain medications for cancer known as topoisomerase II inhibitors.
- Those who are above 60 years.
- Since these supplements are made with natural sources of glucosamine, people who have shellfish allergies must avoid them.
- People who are about to have scheduled surgery in two weeks or less.
Side Effects of Glucosamine Supplements
The side effects of glucosamine supplements reported to date are minimal and rare. These may include:
- Mild side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloat, and flatulence.
- More serious side effects may include headaches, skin rashes or hives, or drowsiness.
We recommend that you consult your doctor in case you experience any of these side effects.
These side effects can easily be minimized by letting your doctor adjust the dosage of these supplements depending on your specific needs and consuming them with food. Don’t alter the dosage without speaking to your physician.
Glucosamine Supplements for the Long-Term
Glucosamine supplements (see also 'Glucosamine Supplements For Joint Pain') need to be taken for at least a few weeks or even months depending on the severity of your joint pain. Since you will be taking them for the long term, it makes it even more important to choose the best quality supplements.
Supplements such as the Physio Flex Pro supplement is created using lab-tested A-1 grade ingredients extracted from natural sources. This USA-made cGMP-approved product promotes optimal joint health and helps you keep active and independent for decades to come.
