Wonders of Glucosamine Chondroitin

By: Joyce Dietzel
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:19:24
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Glucosamine Chondroitin is a mixture of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These are both naturally occurring supplements. They are both found in the body as building blocks of cartilages, mucous membranes, synovial fluid, the fluid that fills joint spaces, and heart valves or in short connective tissues.

Benefits of Glucosamine alone

Glucosamine is a kind of amino sugar that starts the formation of cartilage and cartilage repair. Glucosamine alone is most beneficial for those who have osteoarthritis. It has shown promising results for those with inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Benefits of Chondroitin Sulfate alone

Similar to Glucosamine, chondroitin is a vital component of cartilages. Chondroitin is a type of carbohydrate that helps in the prevention of joint cartilage degeneration and promote elasticity. It has also been effective for those with osteoarthritis. Research reveals that chondroitin is also a constituent of the heart. Thus, researches are banking that it can help in the repair of a damaged heart. Studies have shown that chondroitin interferes with the enzyme responsible in the reproduction of HIV.

Benefits of Glucosamine Chondroitin

Studies show that Glucosamine Chondroitin is better for patients with osteoarthritis. Patients have the chance to get the benefits of the two components of the supplement in one.

Glucosamine Chondroitin is very helpful in maintaining healthy joints and connective tissues. Thus, it is mostly prescribed to those with arthritis, people experiencing joint pain or similar health problems. It works by slowing down further cartilage damage.

It also is found to be very beneficial for the hair, skin and nails. There have also been studies that as associated both of these supplements for pain relief similar to aspirin and ibuprofen.

What is more amazing is that so far there is no serious side effects found in this supplement. Common side effects are very minimal such as soft stools and intestinal gas. When this happens, try using another brand.

Note: You should contact your doctor when unusual symptoms or effects occur.

Cautions in Use

The supplement has not been studied enough for its effects on children or a developing fetus. Thus, children and pregnant women should not take this supplement.

Note that glucosamine is a type of sugar. Thus, it is not recommended for people with diabetes. If the person has diabetes, it is vital that they should check their sugar levels before taking the drug.

Chondroitin in conjunction with blood-thinning medication can possibly cause bleeding in some people. Thus, blood-clotting time is always checked for these people.

Always watch out for allergic reactions when taking the supplement.

Since dietary supplements are usually unregulated, the different brands may also vary in quality and content. Thus...

* Choose products created by well-established companies
* Always read label or perhaps ask help from a pharmacists
* Always consult your doctor before deciding to try new supplements

There are a lot of dietary supplements available in the market. The smart consumer must always be cautious in choosing the right supplements for them.

Glucosamine Chondroitin is not usually prescribed or recommended to just anyone. Consulting your doctor for the need and importance of this drug to your health is always preferred over self-prescription.

Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Dietary supplements only boost your diet. It is important that the person eats well, exercise and get enough rest to maximize the effect of the dietary supplements.

Joyce Dietzel writes articles for-your-vitamins.com a website dedicated to vitamins and supplements - all the best.

http://www.for-your-vitamins.com/GlucosamineChondroitin.html

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