Glucosamine Sulfate 500mg - 135 Tabs - Swiss Naturals

What is Glucosamine Sulfate?

Glucosamine is a precursor molecule for the formation of cartilage, the connective tissue disk that acts as a cushion and eliminates friction in your joints. It also forms the hair, skin, nails, eyes, tendons, bones, ligaments and heart valves. As we age our ability to make glucosamine decreases and loss of glucosamine decreases the integrity of cartilage. in joints, that results in less support, cushioning and more friction, like wear-and-tear injury. Glucosamine also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help the joint to repair itself after injury.

Studies show that glucosamine supplementation improves joint function and decreases pain in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Glucosamine can decrease the destruction of cartilage that occurs when arthritis sufferers use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Natural health practitioners also recommend glucosamine for joint injury, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, bursitis, tendonitis and skin problems.

Reducing Joint Pain Naturally

Most people over age 35 have at least some wear and tear in their joints, but that doesn't mean it should cramp your style.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It usually has a gradual onset and begins after the age of forty. The knees, hips, fingers and vertebrae are most susceptible. The joint deterioration is due to faulty or deficient repair of bone and cartilage in the joint. The standard North American diet is deficient in the minerals necessary for proper joint repair; therefore it is not surprising that osteoarthritis is a common concern. Osteoarthritis causes stiffness and joint pain on motion.

It is typically worse in the morning. Initially there is no inflammation or swelling of the joint. As the damage progresses the joint may become inflamed and deformed. Muscles around the joint can tense up, joint mobility may decrease and there may be a grating feeling on movement. The pain becomes constant and occurs even when at rest.

Drug Treatments Can Actually Worsen Arthritis

Conventional treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatories has been shown to worsen arthritis. Side effects of some drugs are gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, heart attacks and liver problems. Some of these medications, especially the NSAID group can actually accelerate the degradation of joint tissue. Corticosteroids like cortisone and prednisone sometimes recommended for arthritis, while effective at relieving discomfort in the short term, can cause a loss of bone mass.