Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulphate an Alternative to Aspirin

Glucosamine Sulphate an Alternative to Aspirin


When you have strained a muscle or you have a joint pain, what do you do first? Will be taking an aspirin?
There is increasing evidence to suggest that common anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, used in the treatment of sports injuries and arthritis, may mask the healing process rather than promote them. The glucosamine sulphate is a precursor of a natural substance, glucosamine, the organism can be ingested in supplement form. It is an amino acid produced from glutamine and sugar needed to produce vital molecules in cells and tissue connection.

When a tissue is injured, the body goes into crisis. To heal we need to produce glucosamine daily for the formation of new connective tissue molecules. However, as we age, production of glucosamine slows down, causing the elderly who suffer from joint deterioration not heal so quickly. At present, there is discussion about which forms of glucosamine is better, sulphate, hydrochloride (HCI), n-acetyl-glucosamine or Glucosamine Chondoritin MSM. In fact, all forms are backed by studies that validate its effectiveness and its clinical application.

Joint Repair

• The glucosamine sulphate has important functions in the formation of nails, tendons, skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bone, ligaments and mucous secretions of the digestive, respiratory and urinanio.
• The main physiological function glucosamine sulphate in joints is to stimulate production of cartilage as well as promote the incorporation of sulfur into cartilage.
• The glucosamine sulphate is responsible for stimulating the production of substances needed for proper joint function.
• The Glucosamine is also responsible for stimulating joint repair.

Osteoarthritis

• The Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis.
• During the past 10 years, several studies have confirmed that glucosamine sulphate is extremely effective in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis.
• Standard supplementation of Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplements is 1000-2000 mg per day.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Home Remedies for Arthritis


Home Remedies for Arthritis


Arthritis is characterized by a painful and persistent inflammation of the joints. In the long term can cause redness, swelling and stiffness of the same, causing painful disorders. Natural remedies for arthritis are very effective to combat and alleviate it without resorting to expensive treatments or drugs.

One of the is most desirable to prepare a mixture of apple cider vinegar and hot water. Place a tablespoon of vinegar for each cup of water and, if necessary, add a little honey to avoid the sour taste.

The cod liver oil mixed with a few tablespoons juice orange wonders also sits as a natural remedy for arthritis. It is best to drink it on an empty stomach and before bedtime.

The garlic is one of the plants with greater healing powers. And, unsurprisingly, is also used to treat arthritis naturally. This remedy is simply to eat raw garlic on an empty stomach. The idea is to start with about for three or four day until, gradually, ten or twelve days and then we can have a constant dose.

Birch, due to their diuretic and inflammations, also works well to relieve symptoms of arthritis. Two or three cups of an infusion of birch leaves are enough to help decompress the inflammation caused by arthritis. Herbal teas such as horsetail, lavender, and honeysuckle can also work as a natural remedy for arthritis. There are various Glucosamine Chondroitin Products available in the market that can be used for the quick relief from arthritis.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

What is Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are nutritional supplements and as such are not subject to the same strict regulations required for prescription drugs and prescription. Therefore, if you decide to take any supplement, you do so on your own. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying these supplements. Make sure that the cause of your pain is osteoarthritis (OA). Do not stop or reduce the dosage of prescription drugs currently taken without consulting your doctor.

What is Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate?



* Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are substances that occur naturally in the body.

Glucosamine:

* Glucosamine is a aminosaccharides which plays an important role in cartilage formation and repair.
* Glucosamine is extracted from crab, lobster or shrimp shells.

Chondroitin Sulphate:

* Chondroitin sulphate is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage elasticity.
* Chondroitin sulphate is extracted, in most cases, the cartilage of the trachea of cattle, but in Japan also is extracted from shark cartilage.

Why do we use these supplements?

* These supplements have been used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in horses and dogs for many years.
* In Europe, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate is used to treat OA in humans since the 1980's.
* It is important to remember that these supplements have not been studied as a treatment for other forms of arthritis or related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout, or treat other causes of pain, such as stress fractures.

What Do these supplements do?

* In studies conducted mainly in Europe, some people with mild to moderate OA who took glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate showed some pain relief and improved joint function. Reports indicate that these supplements relieve pain similarly to NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.
* Limited studies have been conducted double-blind controlled long-term to assess the benefits or safety.

What characteristics should the supplement posses?

* Glucosamine comes in several forms, the most common are glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. It was found that both forms are equally effective, although most studies were conducted in the form of sulfate.
* The shark cartilage products containing chondroitin sulfate, but the amount and quality of chondroitin sulfate is not consistent.
* Since dietary supplements are not regulated, the quality and content can vary widely.


Some tips for picking quality products are:

* Choose a product manufactured by a large company who can be responsible and serious
* Read labels carefully to make sure that the ingredient list makes sense
* Ask for recommendations from your doctor or pharmacist


How do we you should take this supplement?

* If you take these supplements, experts recommend taking the amount used in most clinical trials:
o Glucosamine: 1,500 mg (milligrams) per day
o Chondroitin: 1,200 mg per day
* If this dose relieves symptoms can decrease the amount gradually after a few months.
* Generally we recommend taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate together, but do not know for sure if the combination takes a better effect than the individual use of each substance.
* You should plan the use of supplements along with current medications for 6 to 8 weeks. If the pain decreases, then you can ask your doctor whether you should reduce or stop the other drugs for a while to see if there are any changes in the levels of pain and stiffness.
* If after four to six months do not notice any change in symptoms, probably the supplements did not provide any relief. Some people may experience partial relief using supplements, but may have to continue taking medication for a complete relief.

"These supplements have side effects?

* Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may have the following effects:
o Increased intestinal gas
o Softer stools
* Further studies should be performed to confirm the safety and efficacy of supplements. Be sure to consult your doctor if you notice any new or unusual symptoms when taking these supplements.

Precautions

* Children, pregnant women and women who may become pregnant should not take these supplements. These substances have not been studied enough to determine the possible effects on a developing fetus or a child.

People showing the conditions set forth below should take precautions with these supplements:

Glucosamine:

* Diabetes, because glucosamine is a aminosaccharides , people with diabetes should control their blood sugar levels more often when taking these glucosamine supplements.
* Allergy to seafood, if you are allergic to shellfish, consult your doctor before taking glucosamine. In most cases, allergies are caused by proteins found in shellfish, not by chitin, a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted.

Chondroitin Sulphate:

* This supplement may contain a similar structure to heparin, an anticoagulant drug, and the combination could increase the risk of bleeding.
* People taking anticoagulant medicines in combination with chondroitin sulphate should be monitored prothrombin time and coagulation more frequently.