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Get
The Best Form
Glucosamine comes in several forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine
hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine (NAG). Be careful in your
selection of a glucosamine supplement: the research showing the excellent
joint-improving benefits was with glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine
hydrochloride performed poorly. Some marketing companies have claimed that
NAG is better absorbed and more stable, but scientific research does not
support this. In fact, an unsuspected problem with NAG has been demonstrated:
toxic brain effects. For best results, use a nontoxic grade of glucosamine
sulfate.
Degenerative Joint Disease
As the body ages, it may not produce a sufficient amount of glucosamine. This
can result in cartilage that loses its ability to act as a shock absorber in
the joints. The joints then become stiff and painful. Every step or joint
movement can be an agony. This process is often diagnosed as degenerative
joint disease, such as osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. The
affected joints show gradual destruction of the joint's cartilage followed by
the formation of large, abnormal bone spurs in the joint margins. The joints
become very painful with limited range of motion and in time, they may become
deformed.
Natural
Alternative To Aspirin
According to a well-known medical researcher, Dr. Michael Murray,
"Glucosamine is a safe and effective natural alternative to aspirin and
other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs." Clinical research shows
that drugs currently being used to treat degenerative joint disease such as
osteoarthritis may produce short-term relief, but in the long run, they
actually accelerate the progression of joint destruction.
Aspirin: A Gradual Killer
The first drug generally used to treat Joint pain such as osteoarthritis is
aspirin. Although aspirin can help relieve joint pain and inflammation
temporarily in some cases, it often becomes toxic in therapeutic doses (2 to
4 grams per day). Early signs of aspirin toxicity are tinnitus (ringing in
the ears) and stomach irritation.
Long-term use of aspirin has been shown to cause the weakening of the walls
of arteries and capillaries; many researchers believe this increased blood
vessel fragility can help promote the onset of a stroke (breaking of a blood vessel
in the brain) which may have disastrous consequences.
Aspirin: The Leaky Gut Connection
Long-term use of aspirin also promotes "leaky gut" syndrome, in
which the intestinal lining becomes too permeable, allowing large, only
partially digested molecules to pass through the gut into the blood stream.
These abnormal proteins can then migrate to other areas of the body and
produce many other symptoms such as allergies, digestion problems, brain
disorders, headaches, and many other types of pain. For many, these new
symptoms brought on by the "leaky gut" proteins, will be far worse
than their original joint pain.
Clinical Trials with Glucosamine Sulfate
Numerous double-blind studies have shown glucosamine sulfate produces better
results than NSAIDs and placebos in controlling pain and inflammation of
degenerative joint disease (such as osteoarthritis). The study suggested that
to achieve the greatest effectiveness, higher amounts of glucosamine may be
required for certain individuals: those who are obese, those who have peptic
ulcers and those on diuretics. The study showed that even after the
glucosamine was stopped, the people found their joint improvement continued
for 6 to 12 weeks. This result indicates that glucosamine may be the most
effective taken continuously over long periods of time or in repeated short
courses. Since glucosamine is safe and effective, long-term, continuous use
is not a problem.
Straight
To The Joints
Glucosamine is highly absorbed by the body. Detailed pharmacokinetic studies
in animals and humans show up to 98% of orally administered glucosamine
sulfate is absorbed. These studies show that after absorption, glucosamine
sulfate is preferentially taken up by the cartilage and other joint
structures where it stimulates the body's manufacture of chondroitin sulfate
and other mucopolysaccharides.
In human clinical studies, oral intake of glucosamine sulfate of 750 to 1,500
mg. per day showed the reversal process in osteoarthritis of the knee,
verified by electron microscopy of biopsies. One of the key effects of
glucosamine sulfate is its ability to stimulate the incorporation of sulfur
into cartilage.
No
Sulfur Allergy
Some people ask, "If! am allergic to sulfur, can I take glucosamine
sulfate?" When people say they are allergic to sulfur, they really mean
they are allergic to so-called sulfa drugs or sulfite-containing food
additives. It is impossible to be allergic to the mineral, sulfur, since it
is an essential mineral required for life. Glucosamine sulfate is extremely
well tolerated; no allergic reactions have been reported.
Good
News
Because of the awesome benefits of glucosamine sulfate in helping to
stimulate joint repair and to maintain healthy joint function, this is good
news for those suffering from joint pain (including osteoarthritis), spinal
subluxation, cartilage degeneration, or joint injuries. Glucosamine sulfate
is an excellent choice to help prevent joint injury and daily wear-and-tear.
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