Glucosamine + Chondroitin sulfate = Improved joint health By Evangelia Zefkili, nutritionist
Who hasn’t felt pain in the knees, back or even arms and hands at times? The truth is that a number of musculoskeletal dysfunctions torture men and women and as a result conditions like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis can make their appearance. We are now going to talk about two extremely important components that can considerably improve the conditions mentioned above.
Glucosamine sulfate (HCL) is an amino sugar that is naturally produced in the body by a sugar (glucose) and an amino acid (glutamine). Glucosamine is the precursor of chondroitin sulfate, a glucosaminoglycan (GAG) which forms the tough fibrous tissue in cartilages (the tough connecting tissue found mainly in bones and particularly around the joints).
Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been proven to contribute in the elimination of symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), a condition characterized by a reduced quantity of cartilages in the joints. Because glucosamine sulfate is shorter than chondroitin sulfate by a molecule, it is absorbed more easily and is therefore more effective when it comes to easing the pain linked to osteoarthritis. However studies have shown that chondroitin intake actually enhances the effect of glucosamine.
It is not uncommon for people over the age of sixty as well as for those who have burdened their joints due to obesity or excessive exercise to develop joint damage. This happens because the “lubricant” between the joints known as synovial fluid has been reduced and this has cause damage to the cartilage. Therefore glucosamine (HLC):
-Reduces the pain caused by osteoarthritis
-Improves function in hips and knees of people with osteoarthritis
-Reduces joint swelling
-Provides pain relief from the symptoms related to osteoarthritis for up to three months after treatment
-Contributes to the boosting of joints, cartilages and tendons
-Provides protection against jolts
-Promotes cartilage restoration
-Acts as a mild pain killer
-Can benefit cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions
Glucosamine is a product of natural origin that is taken from the outer structure of lobsters and crabs (shellfish).
Chondroitin is a substance of great importance when it comes to cartilage health as cartilages are the soft tissue found in joints that prevents their friction. Moreover it is responsible for retaining water and other nutritional components around the cartilages, keeping them spongy and healthy. This substance cannot be taken through food. Therefore the body cannot produce enough so one should result to taking it from dietary supplements.
Chondroitin is available in chondroitin sulfur supplements, which are manufactured from bovid cartilage or shark fins. People who take anticoagulants or other pharmaceutical products should consult their doctor before taking this supplement.
It is very important therefore that these two substances are taken as a dietary supplement that contribute to the redevelopment of the body and restore the damage in the connecting tissue, offerin it the protection that it needs.
