(also referred to as...)
Glucosamine
Description
Glucosamine is an amino acid sugar that is naturally synthesized in the body by combining glucose with glutamine. A component of carbohydrates, amino sugars are incorporated into body tissues, as opposed to being used as an energy source.
Glucosamine acts as the building block for joints to repair damaged tissue and provides your body with the "raw material" required to synthesize one type of mucopolysaccharide (a major component of connective tissues) called glycosaminoglycan, found in cartilage. Glycosaminoglycan is required to restore damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation.
Glucosamine helps form bones, eyes, heart valves, ligaments, nails, skin, and tendons. It is also involved with mucous secretions of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts. Concentrations of this amino acid sugar naturally decline as you age, making your body more susceptible to joint injuries, arthritis, and other joint problems.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Any situation involving joint damage or degeneration can benefit from glucosamine. This ranges from acute sports injuries to more chronic situations such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. In stark contrast to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that degrade cartilage when used to treat osteoarthritis, glucosamine can stop and reverse the degenerative process. Joint pain and tenderness are also reduced, making the situation more easy to deal with.
Over twenty independent studies have shown that one form, glucosamine sulfate (GS), proves highly effective in treating degenerative joint disease by providing the necessary building block that facilitates repair.
Young athletes engaging in activities that cause connective tissue stress can also benefit from glucosamine supplementation as they use up a greater quantity of amino sugars during their training.
Source
As previously mentioned, glucosamine is an amino acid sugar that is naturally synthesized in the body by combining glucose with glutamine. Supplemental glucosamine is derived from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells. This may make the compound inappropriate for Kosher observers.
Optimal Absorption
Most diets do not contain significant amounts of this compound and internal synthesis declines as we age. Supplementation is thus the most ideal approach. Take 500mg three times daily.
Glucosamine is often combined with sulfate to increase absorption and effectiveness. N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) is also available. Glucosamine with chondroitin (a compound with similar properties) is another common preparation.
You will likely require supplementation for three to four weeks before realizing any improvement in symptoms.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
A number of preparations process glucosamine with sodium chloride (table salt). If you have high blood pressure or are otherwise restricted from a high sodium intake, look for sodium-free glucosamine preparations.
Some people experience drowsiness, headaches, mild digestive upset, and skin reactions when supplementing with glucosamine over the short-term.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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when applying the information contained on this website.
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