Glucosamine/chondroitin–does It Work As A Preventative?
I’m 31, a natural healing junkie. I’ve got sore knees from a lifetime of playing tennis. I’ve got some carpal tunnel from typing/restaurant work. I’ve always been interested in gluc/chond supplements but reluctant to pay the big bucks for them. walgreens has some on sale buy one get one free and i’m tempted. will they be beneficial to a mostly healthy non-arthritis sufferer? does just glucosamine work or do i need to get the mixed formula? any tips about what to watch out for when buying–standardized etc? gluc sulfate versus other formulas?
I was told by my pharmacist (he’s great, if he is not sure about anything, he’ll do the research to find out for me) that glucosimine with sulfate is the one my husband should take. Together, they repair and maintain joint and surrounding tissues. The added supplements in other glucosimine formulas are very little amounts of pain medications, that, in his opinion is not enough to deal with the pain and lessens the amount of glucosimine, which is the good stuff. He said the sulfate enhances the glucosimine abilities. My hubby had very bad shoulders & his knees, ankles, wrists were acting up.He could not raise his arms above his shoulders, bend his knees well, etc. He has been taking it for 2 years now, 1 in the morn. & 1 in the eve., and it helps him immeasureably. He was told it may take 1-2 months to see measureable results; it is, after all, repairing damage and that takes time, as I’m sure you know. We recommend it highly.
glucosamine/chondroitin is derived from shellfish.When taken regularly,it is very affective in treating arthritis,carpantunnel,and protecting you from joint problems in the future.It does take a full 6 weeks for you to get maximum benefits,so be patient.I would do glucosamine/chondrotin opposed to glucosamine sulfate.The chondrotin acts as an anti-inflammatory and lubricates the joints better.
Glucosamine is NOT an FDA approved drug…
But it has been already used a lot to treat arthritis, so the point is moot. It will work generally to prevent destruction of cartilage, which would otherwise cause osteoarthritis. . Unless you have a shellfish allergy, because the glucosamine is generally derived from shellfish.
But the tests have only been done on arthritis sufferers…
Your best bet is the mixed ones with both.
This is pretty amazing stuff. But remember it takes time. It is a slow therapy of minerals.
I used to have bad knees from a skiing accident. They used to creak and crack in my 20’s. I started this back then and it went completely away. I have been off this for about 5 years now and it has never returned.
The only problem I have read about this is that it can cause Diabetes in people prone to it. So check out your family history first.