Glucosamine . . .
Helping the Body Heal Itself Flex Flow
Glucosamine is an amino sugar synthesized in our bodies from
glucose and is the starting point for important macromolecules
that make up many body tissues, including proteoglycans, the
ground substance of cartilage in the joints.
Glucosamine is involved in the synthesis of mucous membranes
in the digestive and respiratory tract; it is one of the chemicals
that forms the cushioning ingredients in joint fluids and surrounding
tissue; and it contributes to making the synovial fluid thick
and elastic. It plays a role in the formation of nails, tendons,
skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bone ligaments, heart valves and
in mucous secretion of the digestive, respiratory and urinary
tracts. Any deficiency of glucosamine can slow the production
of these macromolecules, which causes specific weakness in these
tissues. Especially exciting is Glucosamine's positive effect
in the treatment of degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine has a positive effect on a variety of health problems,
primarily those that involve the breakdown of synovial fluid,
damage to muscles, tissues and ligaments, inflammation of disc
and sciatica nerve, inflammation of joints associated with aging.
When the lubricating synovial fluid becomes thin, its ability
to cushion is reduced. Cartilage, bones and tendons can rub against
each other, causing damage, loss of movement and pain. Especially
excruciating pain results when discs in the spinal cord put pressure
on the nerves.
Degenerative Joint Disease
Cal
Toddy
Degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic
condition primarily of the weight-bearing joints of the body,
which endure decades of use. In fact, almost half the population
has some form of degeneration by age 60. It is also associated
with certain occupations and sports, such as ballet and football,
or it can occur in a joint after an injury or fracture.
"In OA the normally smooth cartilage becomes softened
and dull. It begins to lose its elasticity, and its surface may
become worn in spots. It also thins out, so it can't absorb as
much synovial fluid. Consequently, the bones move closer together,
and the joint space narrows. Eventually the cartilage may grow
so thin in spots that the bones begin to rub against each other."(1)
Small pieces of bone and cartilage may become loose and get caught
inside the joint, or cause bony spikes the irritate the joint.
As we age, there is less ability to manufacture and restore
cartilage. Symptoms of degenerative joint disease include stiffness,
soreness when initiating movement, and varying degrees of pain
where just getting around becomes a chore.
Finding Answers
A common misconception is that nothing can slow osteoarthritisthat
it is a progressive condition where only the pain can be managed
with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin,
aspirin, Indocin, etc. Yet recent research shows that these powerful
drugs do more than suppress the painful symptoms; they may actually
accelerate the progression of degenerative joint disease. Studies
have shown that these drugs contribute to cartilage destruction
and inhibit new cartilage formation.(2) Prolonged use of these
anti-inflammatory drugs is not without side effects, most commonly
gastro-intestinal bleeding as well as live and kidney damage.
There are many methods that have been found helpful in managing
and even slowing the relentless progression of degenerative joint
disease. People have had success with nutrient supplementation
such as niacin and vitamin E; avoiding allergenic foods; learning
to relax; losing weight; and regular exercise that doesn't aggravate
already sore joints.
Glucosamine, the new player on the block, has also shown remarkable
results. As a natural substance found in high concentrations
in joints, it stimulates healing with new cartilage growth to
cover the surface of the bone. "Glucosamine is one of the
building blocks of proteoglycans, the ground substance of articular
cartilage. Furthermore, glucosamine inhibits the degradation
of proteoglycans and rebuilds experimentally damaged cartilage
It has been suggested that altered metabolism plays a role in
the development of osteoarthritis and that administration of
glucosamine tends to normalize cartilage metabolism." (3)
Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Glucosamine addresses
more than pain; it stimulates connective tissue production and
repairs damaged joints. A Portuguese study involved 48 patients
who had arthritis in only one knee. One group received 1.2 grams
of ibuprofen daily for eight weeks, the other received 1/5 grams
of glucosamine. Those given ibuprofen had rapid decrease in pain
during the first two weeks but increased pain at the end of eight
weeks. The glucosamine group did not have the dramatic pain relief
during the first two weeks, but at the end of eight weeks, had
much less pain that the ibuprofen group. (4) In another study,
20 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received 500 mg.
Of Glucosamine sulfate or a placebo for six to eight weeks. Glucosamine
relieved the joint tenderness, swelling and pain significantly,
whereas the placebo results were fair to poor. (5)\
Any substance taken for a long time must be safe; we know
too well of the numerous side effects associated with long-term
use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Glucosamine has
proven virtually nontoxic, with no adverse side effects reported.
It is stable, tasteless and water soluble.
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