Glucosamine And Arthritis

Glucosamine and Arthritis: Everything You Need to Know

Anyone searching for treatments for arthritis has undoubtedly run across the name glucosamine. It has become synonymous with arthritis in both humans and dogs over the last several years. Many doctors are even recommending it to patients who are suffering from arthritis as a part of their treatment plan. But what is glucosamine and how does it work? Are there side effects? What should you know before buying glucosamine? Before learning that it is important to understand the condition you are planning to treat.

What Exactly is Arthritis?

There are several forms of arthritis that a person can suffer from. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Most people that suffer from arthritis have the form known as osteoarthritis. This is when the cartilage that exists in the joints begins to deteriorate. As it thins and wears out the bones in the joint will start rubbing against one another. This can lead to swelling, pain and stiffness. Over time it can even lead to a deformation of the bones. Many people with arthritis have a difficult time moving the parts of their bodies that suffer from the condition. The most common areas affected are knees, hips, back and even the hands. It occurs for a variety of reasons but generally age is the main factor in the onset of arthritis.

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is actually a substance that is produced naturally in the body. It is an amino sugar that can be found in the cartilage of the joints. Your body uses the glucosamine to help keep the cartilage that is needed in your joints replenished. However, as you begin to age your body will produce less glucosamine. This leaves you with no way to rebuild and replenish that cartilage as it deteriorates. Glucosamine is also found in the shells of crustaceans and this is where it is gathered for the supplements that are sold.

How Does Glucosamine Work?

Glucosamine works naturally in the body whether it is in supplement form or not. It helps to stimulate the production of protein. These proteins will help to rebuild and replenish the cartilage that has become damaged with age or injury. Many people opt for glucosamine as a treatment option because they are focusing on the cause of their arthritis and not simply treating the symptoms as they arise. As the cartilage is repaired the sufferer will find relief of the pain, swelling and stiffness that often accompany the arthritis. For this reason, glucosamine is often considered to aid with pain and inflammation. It is also often used as a preventative treatment for those who want to slow the process of aging in the bones.

Does Glucosamine Have Side Effects?

Because it is naturally found in the body, glucosamine is generally considered safe to consume for most people. However, as with any supplement that you might take there are some side effects that are possible. The potential effects may never bother you, but it is always best to be prepared in advance so that you recognize them if they do. It is also best to be monitored by a physician when you are on any type of treatment plan for your condition.

Gastrointestinal Issues

The most common side effects associated with glucosamine are gastrointestinal issues. Most people complain of having softened stool when taking glucosamine and some have noted that they experienced an upset stomach. Nausea has also been known to occur in some patients. While you may experience diarrhea or constipation, these side effects are not as common as others. In rare cases you may find yourself having abdominal pain. If you experience any of these side effects you will want to speak with your doctor to determine if the benefits of glucosamine outweigh the disadvantages that you are experiencing. You will also want to ensure that the problems you are having are side effects that will not harm you.

Allergies to Shellfish

If you are allergic to shellfish then you cannot take glucosamine supplements. This is because the glucosamine used in the supplements is derived from crustaceans which are shellfish. Those with shellfish allergies can have serious reactions to the glucosamine based on the severity of their allergies. If you are allergic to shellfish you should talk with your doctor about alternative treatments that you can try.

Diabetics

Those who are diabetic may be able to take glucosamine but they must be monitored by a doctor. Glucosamine is a carbohydrate and this can have repercussions on a diabetic. It has been known to cause an increase in the sugar level and this can be dangerous for anyone suffering from diabetes. There is also some evidence to suggest that it can cause a resistance to insulin. For those diabetics that are insulin dependent this could be detrimental to their health. If you have diabetes you should consult your physician before you begin taking glucosamine and determine if it is safe to do so. It is also important that you be monitored closely and watch for any signs of increased blood sugar.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

It is advised that women who are pregnant or nursing not take glucosamine supplements. There has been no evidence thus far that glucosamine can have negative effects on an infant, but there also is no evidence that the supplement is considered completely safe. Since the effect of the supplement on a growing fetus or infant is unknown it is best if you find alternative treatments during this time and resume once you have completed the pregnancy or nursing. You can speak with your doctor to determine which treatments are available while you are pregnant and nursing.

What to Know Before Buying Glucosamine

Glucosamine supplements have been known to help rebuild and repair damaged cartilage and reduce the pain and swelling that many with arthritis suffer from. But before you head out to buy those supplements there are a few things you should be aware of.

What will it Cost You?

Obviously you cannot put a price tag on your health, but there is no reason to spend more than you have to. What appears to be the lowest cost may not actually be the best deal. Instead of looking at the price tag alone you should compare the total cost. The best way to do this is to first determine the dosage for that particular brand. If it requires a higher dose than a brand that costs a bit more it may actually turn out to be more expensive even if the price tag is lower. You want good health, but you want the best deal too.

What is the Quality?

You want a product that works the best and that is what you should get. Unfortunately there is no list somewhere that tells you exactly what you should purchase to ensure the best quality. Instead you will have to rely on your ability to research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for their recommendation. If you have a friend that is taking it ask them. Take advantage of the internet to research each company and see what others have to say. You might surprised to learn how many people are willing to share good and bad experiences with others.

What Is In It?

Because supplements are not strictly regulated like medications, there is the potential for the company to add virtually anything to them. In some cases it may be beneficial ingredients that you will not mind. In other cases you might find things that you prefer not to take. Before you select a brand you want to read the ingredients and research them to see what they are and what they are used for. If they are known for helping arthritis it can be a benefit. If they are merely added in for some other reason you might want to skip the brand and move on.

Is it Liquid or Tablet?

When you take glucosamine you have the choice of tablets, capsules and liquid form. Which you take is completely up to you, but it is helpful to know the benefits. If you opt for liquid form you will find the results occur much quicker than they do with tablet form. You could be looking at months with tablets and only weeks with liquid. You will also have to take less each day because more is absorbed in the body with each dosage.

Will it Work?

There have been many studies done into glucosamine and its effect on arthritis. The results indicate that some have had tremendous success with it and others never found any improvement. Many people use it regularly and find it helpful in relieving their pain and inflammation. However, it can take several months of use before you will see the effects of the glucosamine so be sure you give it a try for a while before you give up. The best way to know if it is right for you is to discuss the option with your doctor. It is possible that this may be a good addition to your treatment plan.