Persistent pain, aches, inflammation and stiffness in the joints with a limited range of movement – sound familiar? These are symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis, the most common joint condition in Australia.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition which persists in the cartilage between our joints and can run riot throughout our bodies, affecting the hands, spine, hips, knees and ankles. The “wear and tear” associated with aging, past injury, as well as a lack of supportive nutrients can cause cartilage loss and further narrowing of the joint-space. This may lead to “bone-on-bone” contact and this friction is usually associated with inflammation, pain and swelling.
Nourish your joints and keep them happy!
When it comes to supporting your joint health, Glucosamine is all the rage and so it should be. It is an effective “building block” for cartilage and helps to preserve and regenerate the existing cartilage. Subsequently, an improvement to the functioning of the cartilage reduces inflammation, improves lubrication between the joints and decreases the pain associated with Osteoarthritis.
As a structural component required for elasticity, Glucosamine can also help you get back that “spring in your step” and improve everyday movement.
Not all Glucosamine is equal.
In 2005, a Cochrane Review compared Glucosamine to placebo. A shining star was rewarded to a specific form of Glucosamine, known as Glucosamine Sulfate. When compared to placebo, people with Osteoarthritis who took Glucosamine Sulfate experienced an improvement in pain scores and function. In addition, two of the studies found supplementation with Glucosamine helped to slow down the progression of Osteoarthritis in the knee over a three-year period.
Where is it derived from?
Glucosamine is usually derived from shellfish, such as shrimp, crabs, and lobster. Previously, vegetarians as well as those with an allergy to shellfish were unable to take Glucosamine and reap the joint benefits.
Fortunately, a new form of Vegetarian Glucosamine, trademarked as Glucosalive™ has recently become available. Unlike the majority of Vegetarian Glucosamine in Australia, it is a Vegetarian Glucosamine Sulfate preparation. As a Glucosamine Sulfate form, it is the same chemical structure as the clinically trialled Glucosamine which improved pain and function. Unlike the most common forms of Glucosamine available, Glucosalive™ is sourced from plants and therefore ticks a number of boxes, including:
- Vegan.
- Vegetarian.
- Shellfish free.
- GMO free.
So if you have any allergies or simply follow a particular diet and need that extra joint support, Glucosalive™ may be a joint-saver for you!
Tips when taking Glucosamine:
- The clinically trialled dose is 1500 mg per day or 500 mg three times a day.
- It is more beneficial over the longer-term, with 6 months an appropriate time frame to assess individual effectiveness.
- Chose sulfate over the hydrochloride form of glucosamine.
- Additional supportive nutrients and herbs such as ginger, boswellia and vitamin C can provide extra support to target multiple inflammatory and arthritic pathways.
