About Glucosamine

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine sulphate is natural chemical compound found in the joints. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar which is needed by the body to repair the cartilage and other connective tissues.

Glucosamine is helpful in lubrication of joints as we get older, our body may need a little help in maintaining the overall health and well-being of our bones and joints. Glucosamine is also needed for the synthesis of synovial fluid which is a vital cushioning substance which protects the joints from the damaging effects of friction.

Studies have indicated Glucosamine being safe and non-toxic; however the most common side effects are upset stomach, gas, and indigestion or heat burn.

Types of Glucosamine

Glucosamine is available in 3 different types
1) Glucosamine Sulphate
2) Glucosamine Hydrochloride (HCL)
3) Glucosamine NAS

Glucosamine Sources

Glucosamine sulphate is normally derived from hard outer shells of shrimp, lobsters and crabs. However the Natural Sources of Glucosamine is the connective tissue of animals, such as chicken marrow.

The vegetarian Glucosamine is extracted from maize, which is Shell Fish Free Glucosamine for Joint & Cartilage.

Benefits of Glucosamine
1. Glucosamine sulphate plays a role in the smooth working of joints.
2. Glucosamine sulphate helps maintain overall health and well-being of bones and joints.
3. Glucosamine helps maintain supple and flexible joints.

Glucosamine Forms
1. Glucosamine Tablets
2. Glucosamine Capsules
3. Glucosamine Gel
4. Glucosamine Powder
5. Liquid Glucosamine
6. Glucosamine Patches

Glucosamine Dosage
Glucosamine is available is various strengths such as
1. Glucosamine 750mg
2. Glucosamine 820mg
3. Glucosamine 1000mg
4. Glucosamine 1500mg
However the recommended daily dosage for Glucosamine sulphate is 1500mg.

Combinations of Glucosamine sulphate

Glucosamine sulphate is available in with various combinations, the most popular being Glucosamine & Chondroitin. The various combinations are listed below

1. Glucosamine & Chondroitin
2. Glucosamine & Chondroitin Plus MSM
3. Glucosamine with Cod Liver Oil
4. Glucosamine with Collagen
5. Glucosamine with Multivitamins
6. Glucosamine with celadrin
7. Glucosamine with Vitamin C
8. Glucosamine with Omega 3 Fish oil

Glucosamine for Pets

Unlike humans, Glucosamine is highly effective for joint health of pets. Glucosamine has also been used by veterinarians to treat arthritis in pets like dogs & horses. Mentioned below are the signs and symptoms when Glucosamine may be need for you pets like cats and dogs.

1. Difficulties in reacting to normal routine like walking, jumping or climbing up the stairs
2. Lethargy or limping
3. Difficulties getting up when lying down
4. Sign of pain to any contact like petted

The dosage of Glucosamine required for your pet may depend on the condition of the pet. However the recommended daily dosage of Glucosamine sulphate would be 6 capsules or 2 OZ.
Glucosamine might ease the pet’s joint pain in 10-15 days, in some cases it might take even a month.

The best form of Glucosamine for pets would be liquid Glucosamine as many pets don’t react friendly while taking pills down the throat. Glucosamine tablets can be mixed with the dog food but it would lose in the teeth while chewing.

Joint pain and arthritis are common medical problems seen by sports doctors and sports medicine specialists.

Sports injuries and sports pain

Connective tissue in the joints is continually broken down through daily use. This is more pronounced in the case of athletes who are constantly involved in sports fitness activities. Sports injuries also add to the problem along with sports pain caused by vigorous workouts or by wrongly doing sports exercises without expert guidance.

Daily wear and tear on joints as a result of physical movement is inevitable and in the long term can lead to damaged cartilage, limited movement and in severe cases, osteoarthritis. Natural ageing also slows down the renewal process.

Not all joint pain means you have arthritis and even if you do have arthritis there are a lot of things that you can do to help yourself.

Sports arthritis therapy, treatment and cure

Sports doctors and physiotherapists work together to devise an appropriate plan to treat, manage and prevent pain.

Depending upon the nature and extent of the condition, a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be required in tandem with physiotherapy treatment to reduce joint inflammation and improve joint mobility.

A program of exercises can also be prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the joint, provide more stability, and prevent further relapses.

Glucosamine for sports joint pain and arthritis treatment

Tests have shown that glucosamine can help reduce damage to cartilage in the joints, reduce joint pain, and there is now a growing body of evidence showing it to be effective in easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialized molecules called glycosaminoglycans, found in cartilage. Unfortunately, the body’s ability to manufacture glucosamine is not always efficient, which can cause problems in the rebuilding of cartilage in the joints.

Sportsmen can benefit from health supplements

Athletes and sportsmen can benefit from taking regular glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin supplements to reduce the damage caused by increased wear and tear of joints. It also helps reduce joint pain caused by sports injuries or in the course of overdoing activities such as swimming, cycling, etc.

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