The Connection Between Glucosamine And Arthritis

Glucosamine is a natural compound that the body makes in order to repair tissue and cartilage. As we age, our bodies do not produce as much glucosamine and arthritis can be one of the results of this. While any form of arthritis can result from the lack of glucosamine in our bodies, the most common form is osteoarthritis of the knees.

Arthritis will affect about one in three adults and is a progressive, debilitating disease. More people are disabled from complications of arthritis than any other ailment. There are over one hundred forms of arthritis that have been identified. Glucosamine is only one treatment for arthritis and is considered by some doctors to be an alternative treatment.

There have been many studies done on glucosamine and arthritis, most of which turned out positive results. Glucosamine and arthritis treatments that include the supplement have long been known to relieve the pain that results from the swelling of arthritis and some studies suggest that the glucosamine can actually help to repair the cartilage in the joints that are afflicted with arthritis.

A lesser known fact about arthritis is that pets are prone to the disease just as humans are. Some breeds are more prone than others to get arthritis in their joints but all dogs and cats can get it. Pets' systems also make glucosamine to repair tissues and cartilage and glucosamine supplements can be very beneficial for arthritis in pets, too.

Glucosamine supplements can be made in three forms. An injectable form of glucosamine is not available commercially, although this would be the most effective way to take the supplement. Glucosamine can come in capsules, but this form would be too concentrated and is not recommended for use. The liquid forms of glucosamine, or powders that can be mixed with liquid, is the recommended way to take glucosamine and arthritis symptoms would be best treated this way. Liquid glucosamine tends to absorb faster into the system than a pill form would, which is another reason why it is a better way to take it. For pets, liquid glucosamine is easy to pour over their food.

For additional benefits, find a supplement combination of chondroitin sulfate or MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) with glucosamine and arthritis complications will decrease significantly faster. This is called a synergistic combination.

Glucosamine in powder form usually comes in dosages of 300mg, 500mg, or 750mg. The recommended dose of glucosamine for arthritis is 1,500mg a day. You could either double up on the 750mg supplement in one glass of water or juice or you can drink a glass twice per day in order to get a therapeutic dosage. It is not recommended to take the supplement for more than three months if there are not significant results. As always, discuss glucosamine and arthritis with your physician before starting to take it.