Are you one of the 30 million people with joint problems?
Research shows that about 1 in 5 people experience joint discomfort. This problem increases with age and is more common in women than in men.
Additional risk factors lead to joint injuries.
Excessive load
Hard physical work
Genetics
Adiposity
Exacerbation of joint pain may occur in healthy adults in response to exercise.
Joint health is best managed with a multifaceted approach, including joint exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and nourishing the joints from within with specific supplements.
Joint health: the basics
A joint is an area where two bones and their connective tissues come together. There are 206 bones in the body of an adult, so there are also many joints. Some of these joints are fixed in place or allow only a small amount of movement, such as where the pelvic bones meet.
However, the most common type of joints in the body are movable joints. There are many types of synovial joints and their structure dictates their type of movement. The shoulder joint rotates in many directions, while the elbow joint only bends and extends the arm in one direction.
Introduction to glucosamine
Glucosamine is a compound found in almost all human tissues, especially connective tissue. The highest concentration of glucosamine in the human body is found in cartilage. Glucosamine is used by cartilage cells to create the structural components found in the joint capsule. This complex system is responsible for the cushioning of joints and bones.
Glucosamine is particularly beneficial for those seeking additional nutritional support for joints and connective tissue. As a key structural component of cartilage, it helps maintain the health of articular cartilage. Thus, glucosamine supports the natural ability of the joints to overcome the load. Cartilage and joint supplements promote joint flexibility and mobility for comfortable movement.
The Science Behind Glucosamine
Glucosamine is one of the most scientifically studied supplements for joint health.
It has been studied in more than 20 human studies involving more than 2,500 subjects and continues to be studied. In these studies, glucosamine was well tolerated and proved effective in providing joint comfort.
Glucosamine is available in many different forms, including glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. It has been proven that glucosamine sulfate is well absorbed from the human digestive tract. There is scientific evidence to suggest that these two forms of glucosamine are equally effective when taken as dietary supplements.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring nutrient found in various types of connective tissue, such as cartilage, bone, ligaments, and tendons. The structure of chondroitin sulfate makes it retain water, which is a good property for joints. Water entering the connective tissues supports the flexibility of the joints and softens them.
Like many other structures in the body, cartilage is constantly being destroyed and replaced by new cartilage. Chondroitin interacts with the enzymes involved in this process to maintain a healthy balance, thereby supporting articular cartilage. In addition, chondroitin sulfate provides the building blocks for the larger molecules that make up articular cartilage to aid in cartilage renewal.
For optimal joint health benefits, 800 to 1,200 mg of chondroitin is recommended.
MCC
You've probably heard of MSM, but what is it?
Is it a vitamin, mineral or something else? MSM is a non-vitamin, non-mineral dietary supplement - meaning it is not essential for survival, but taking MSM provides additional support.
MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane, which refers to the structure of this naturally occurring compound. The "S" or "sulfonyl" is a sulfur-containing group, and it is this group that makes MSM so special.
Sulfur is a mineral found naturally in foods such as eggs and garlic. Sulfur is stored in every cell of the body. Articular cartilage at the ends of bones contains sulfur.
Frequently asked questions
What is glucosamine good for?
Glucosamine promotes joint health. It is a key structural component of cartilage and as a dietary supplement, it plays an important role in maintaining articular cartilage. The use of 1500 mg of glucosamine per day nourishes the joints for comfortable movement. It also supports mobility and flexibility. Glucosamine supplements are a nutritional way to strengthen your joints.
Where does glucosamine come from?
The most common source of glucosamine used in dietary supplements is shellfish. The hard exoskeletons of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps contain a substance called chitin. Chitin is a rich source of glucosamine and acts as a starting material for many nutritional supplements. Glucosamine is also found in the cell walls of plants and fungi, making non-shellfish forms of glucosamine available.
Who should take glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an ideal supplement for those looking for additional nutritional support for cartilage and joints. The supplement is suitable for almost everyone, from competitive athletes to laid-back retirees, especially those whose activities require standing for long periods of time, walking long distances or heavy physical exertion, as they can cause stress on the joints. Joints are responsible for movement, so it is important to take care of them.
Why do I need to take glucosamine supplements?
Although glucosamine is naturally produced by the body, glucosamine levels can decrease with age. There are no major food sources of glucosamine, so it is difficult to include it in your daily diet without the help of supplements.
How much glucosamine should I take?
Glucosamine provides joint support. As a dietary supplement, this product is intended for daily intake to nourish the joints from the inside. All Puritan's Pride glucosamine products are drug-free. Therefore, glucosamine can be taken daily, even in the long term. It is optimal to take glucosamine up to 6 months. Then you should take a break.
Glucosamine supplements work best when included in an overall joint health program.
Doing low-impact exercises is a great way to move the joints and increase blood flow to the area. Walking, swimming, and yoga are great options that are good for your overall health. Daily stretching is highly recommended, and a light stretch in the morning can be a great start to the day.
How does chondroitin work?
Chondroitin sulfate is naturally found in the connective tissue of joints. Its special structure attracts water, which helps to retain water in the connective tissue. This water retention is beneficial because it keeps the joints flexible and soft.
Chondroitin also works with enzymes involved in cartilage maintenance. Enzymes are substances that help carry out a certain reaction. The way chondroitin interacts with these enzymes helps maintain a healthy balance and support cartilage health.
How Much Chondroitin Should I Take?
For optimal joint health benefits, 800 to 1200 mg of chondroitin is recommended. Please read all product labels and take as directed for best results.
Is exercise bad for my joints?
Physical activity can really improve comfort as well as their function and quality of life. Strengthening the muscles around the joint helps to stabilize the joint, improving its comfort. Include expanders and calisthenics in your exercise routine at least two days a week. Flexibility exercises such as yoga and stretching should be done daily to maintain range of motion. Light aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling, swimming and gardening can be good for your joints and good for your heart. Before starting an exercise program, we recommend that you consult with your doctor about the level and intensity of exercise that is right for you.
Do you need to take glucosamine only in case of acute joint pain?
Glucosamine is a nutrient that nourishes your joints from the inside out. Therefore, it should be used regularly. Just as you take a multivitamin every day to ensure your body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs, glucosamine should be taken daily with food.
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