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The Leading Joint Support Nutritional Supplements |
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| Our ability
to lead an active lifestyle is often determined by our level
of comfort during exercise. However, when joint pain prevents
us from engaging in the aerobic sports and activities we enjoy most, motivation can quickly diminish. There are a variety of
reasons for this pain. In some, running long distances for years
on pavement has resulted in the gradual hardening of cartilage
in the knees. Others may experience the symptoms of osteoarthritis,
a degenerative disease in which the cartilage in our joints
breaks down as we age. The reason cartilage is so important
to our mobility is because it reduces the friction between joints
and absorbs the shock of normal activities on the elbows, fingers
and knees. The most common side effect of cartilage breaking
down is joint pain and stiffness. This is a very common condition
given that over 22 million in the US are affected by arthritis.
Fortunately, there are three joint support nutritional supplements
that will help reduce the symptoms of worn out joints and arthritis:
glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. It is worth your time to consider
a natural alternative to Celebrex or other expensive and risky
drugs. |
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Glucosamine Benefits |
| Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body and provides for the structural maintenance and overall health of our cartilage and joints. It has shown the ability to help repair cartilage and reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is thought that the early onset of arthritis may be partly due to the inability to produce enough of this substance naturally. Glucosamine is important in the construction of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) in cartilage. GAG's are an important component of connective tissue that gives cartilage its resilient properties. Taking a glucosamine supplement seems to promote the production of GAG's. Recent studies that demonstrate this effect are covered below. In addition there are several different forms of this popular supplement found on the market. However, the glucosamine active concentration in a supplement is key. While all of the supplements we recommend contain the minimum concentration to be effective, glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL) has the highest potency. Also, it can take several weeks before the benefits of the supplement are realized at normal dosage regardless of whether it is taken as a tablet, powder or liquid. The usual dosage is 1500 milligrams (mg), divided over the course of the day. |
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Glucosamine Risks |
| Despite its status as a natural supplement, it may increase insulin resistance. This was shown in animal studies when injected. However, when it was administered orally, the issue did not arise. Despite this, anyone with Type 2 diabetes or are overweight should monitor glucose levels when taking this supplement. |
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Chondroitin Sulfate Benefits |
| Where glucosamine helps with the maintenance and growth of cartilage, chondroitin sulfate draws the appropriate fluid into the joint. Since human joint cartilage has no blood flow, it relies of the fluid in the joint for lubrication. If not enough fluid is present, the cartilage becomes thinner and less resilient. Chondroitin is one of the most abundant GAG's in cartilage. It is thought to attract fluid into the cartilage and increases the resilience of cartilage's shock absorbing properties. In attracting fluid, chondroitin protects cartilage and prevents it from breaking down as quickly. It also inhibits the production of destructive enzymes that interfere with the transport of nutrients natural production of collagen. In addition, it is thought that chondroitin can help reduce pain in the joints as an anti-inflammatory. The usual dosage is 1200 milligrams (mg), divided over the course of the day. As with other supplements, it usually takes a few weeks for any impact to be noted. |
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Chondroitin Sulfate Risks |
| Currently, there are no known drug, nutrient, or food reactions to chondroitin. However, those taking the supplement Chitosan may negate the effects of chondroitin sulfate due to Chitosan's ability to prevent absorption. Also, those taking warfarin and those with hemophilia should consult with a doctor prior to use. Those who need to limit their salt intake should use salt-free formulas only. |
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Glucosamine Chondroitin Studies |
| The evidence supporting the effectiveness of both glucosamine and chondroitin is compelling. In addition, several of these studies used a double-blind placebo method where neither the researchers nor participants in the study knew who received the placebo supplement until after the study was over. The results of 13 studies, where glucosamine was tested in 6 and condroitin was tested in 7, showed that both supplements delivered a significant improvement (40-50%) in the reduction of joint pain as compared to the placebo. As a matter of fact, in two of these, glucosomine was show to provide equivalent relief to ibuprofen. In a large study commissioned by the US National Institute of Health, glucosomine and condroitin combined reduced moderate to severe knee pain in a group of subjects significantly more than the placebo or the individual supplements. The glucosamine chondroitin dose used in this group was 1500mg of glucosomine sulfate and 1200mg of chondroitin sulfate. |
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Side Effects of Glucosamine Chondroitin |
| Side effects that have been reported are mainly mild complaints such as heartburn, upset stomach or diarrhea. Taking the supplements with food largely alleviates these infrequent issues. Also, there have been no published reports about those with shellfish allergies having allergic reactions to these supplements. |
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MSM |
| MSM (methyllsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that is found in common foods such as eggs, grains, onions, asparagus and cabbage. However, due to mass farming methods and even the means by which vegetables are prepared, much of the benefits are lost. As a result, most of us don't get enough of the natural sulfur we need as part of a healthy diet. In supplement form, MSM may help reduce the pain associated with arthritis and reduce muscle soreness and cramping and is a natural alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs. This is particularly important for athletes or those starting an exercise program. This is the main premise of a book by Dr. Ronald Lawrence, called "The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain." . It may take several weeks for the benefits of MSM to be realized. Also, it will require some experimentation to determine the optimal dosage for your particular needs. |
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| The toxicity of MSM is similar to that of water, so there is a very low risk of allergic reaction or interactions with other supplements. Nor does MSM produce the gas or body odor that may occur with other forms of sulfur supplements. As with any nutritional supplement, it is always best to buy the most pure form available. Some brands of MSM, included the recommendation below, are up to 99.7% pure. Make sure you buy the best. |
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MSM and Glucosamine Chondroitin Recommendation |
| If you've found this information useful, take the next step and order with confidence. Not only have we reviewed the following joint support nutritional supplements to ensure they meet quality standards, but the Online Discounts offered can't be beat. |
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