Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Do your knees ache while walking up the stairs?  Are you one of the multi-millions of Americans who suffer from joint pain?  Do you regularly engage in "high impact" exercises like running that stress your joints?  If this rings true for you, you might benefit from knowing about the benefits of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, two popular supplements most often used in combination to help boost cartilage health.

Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can be effective at pain relief, but these only mask joint discomfort and they can have side effects.  Glucosamine and Chondroitin can help nourish and condition your joints and relieve joint discomfort. Whether used separately or jointly as a powerful combination, here's how Glucosamine and Chondroitin work...

The daily grinding of your bones against cartilage results in damage and a constant need for repair.  The body of scientific research suggests that Glucosamine and Chondroitin maintain joint structure by inhibiting its degradation.  Both can also safely help relieve pain and discomfort in joints and help people to stay active. 

Both Glucosamine and Chondroitin are found naturally in your body in the form of glycosaminoglycans, important building blocks of cartilage. They help to support the lubrication and cushioning aspects of cartilage.  Some studies show that taking these supplements may also help to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

To nurture joint health, the standard recommendation for Glucosamine supplementation is 1500 milligrams per day, taken as a single dose.  Most Glucosamine supplements are now derived from a fermentation process and some come from crab, lobster and shrimp shells, so if you are allergic to shellfish, consult your physician. The typical amount recommended for Chondroitin supplementation is 1200 milligrams per day (also taken as a single dose). Chondroitin is made from animal cartilage.

For better joint health, consider increasing your level of physical activity (within reason of your physical abilities). Not getting enough exercise can cause your joints to be a little rusty due to stiffness and soreness. High impact exercises can place a lot of stress on your joints, so consider trying low impact exercises, such as walking, swimming and biking. 

If you're experiencing joint pain or discomfort, talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional to see if he or she thinks Glucosamine and Chondroitin might work for you.