Glucosamine:
A Remedy For Osteoarthritis

The British medical journal, The Lancet  in 2001, published a long-term study on 212 people with arthritic knees who were given Glucosamine sulfate or a placebo. Patients reported significant improvement in pain and disability that were sustained for the three years of the study, but the placebo group worsened. This is the first study to show that glucosamine sulfate can improve the structure of the joints, and that it  slows the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, the widely used anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Relafen®, and others, do nothing to repair, only relieve pain and may contribute to loss of joint function. These drugs maybe used to control pain while the glucosamine is taking affect, usually for 2 to 3 weeks.

What It Is; Why It Works

Glucosamine is a  natural sugar required by the body and found in abundance in fully ripened fruits and vegetables. It is not to be confused glucose and fructose and it does not of itself raise blood sugar.  It plays an important nutritional role in the production, maintenance, and repair of cartilage, the white, smooth, rubber-like padding that covers the ends of bones and prevents them from rubbing against each other painfully as we move. It also helps form ligaments, tendons, and nails. Glucosamine stimulates the production of glycoproteins (glyco means sugar), glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, and other essential building blocks of cartilage.  The significant "anti-inflammatory" effect of glucosamine is impressive, according to the editorial  in the Lancet by Dr Tim McAlindon, although the mechanism of action could not be determined. Glucosamine is a glyconutrional and our bodies use it as N-acetylglucosamine. Click here for more information at www.glycoscience.com.

 Left unprotected, the joints then become swollen, stiff, inflamed, tender, and painful--the condition known as osteoarthritis. . Glucosamine has been used to treat osteoarthritis in Europe since the 1980s, and no long term side effects have been noted. Kirk Wentworth, the pharmacist, had impressive relief of joint pain and stiffness while taking Glucosamine Sulfate and has had relief from sciatica. The National Institutes of Health is sponsoring an 11 million dollar study to compare Glucosamine, Chrondroitin, and the prescription drug Celebrex to placebo. The results will not be available for several years.

Special Cautions

Although Glucosamine may relieve your osteoarthritis, other  treatments --such as a regular exercise program -- remain just as  important.  Exercise improves the blood flow to the joints. If you have this condition, it's wise to keep in touch with your doctor for regular check-ups. If you are allergic to shell fish avoid glucosamine products.
Unlike the potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually prescribed for arthritis, Glucosamine does not produce serious side effects. Although some patients have reports  indigestion and nausea, Kirk has not seen these side effects when patients switch to Phyto- pharmica's brand of stabilized Glucosamine Sulfate. This product will not raise blood sugar, but other products, possibly contaminated with other sugars have raised blood sugar.  There is no proof that Chrondroitin Sulfate in combination with Glucosamine is more effective that Glucosamine alone.

Possible Drug Interactions

Glucosamine sulfate does not interfere with NSAIDs, aspirin, or any other anti-inflammatory or analgesic medication. Indeed, there is some evidence that taking this supplement may help people reduce their use of these strong drugs. Special Information: If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding Check with your doctor before taking Glucosamine while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Preparations and Forms

Glucosamine is available in three forms:

• Glucosamine sulfate: This is considered the preparation of choice for osteoarthritis.  Recommended dose; 3x500mg capsules once daily.
• Glucosamine hydrochloride: Found in some products. There is less evidence of its effectiveness
• N-acetyl glucosamine: This form delivers less of the active ingredient to the joints.
• Chrondroitin Sulfate: usually combined with Glucosamine Sulfate. There is no evidence that this combination is more effective that Glucosamine alone and it is four times as expensive.

References:

 The Lancet :Vol 357:January 27,2001 (click to view, chose journal and search for "glucosamine". You need to register with The Lancet. The article is available for view at the Medicine Shoppe

ConsumerLab: Evaluation of 25 different Glucosamine and or Chrondroitin products. Look for the ConsumerLab seal on products that have passed testing by  the independent laboratories.

Typical Dosage

There is no consensus on the ideal dosage of Glucosamine sulfate. Some doctors recommend 1, 000 to 2, 000 milligrams per day. Others suggest up to 3, 000 mg a day, since they insist it is safe and produces no serious side effects.  The dose may be taken once a day. You may adjust your dosage according to your response. If you are heavier (over 200 lbs)  you may need a larger dose. Some people experience pain relief immediately. Nevertheless, it may take anywhere from 8 weeks to 6 months for  repair damaged cartilage to take place.

NOTE: Glucosamine / Chrondroitin are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent any specific disease or class of diseases.

Probiotics

Did you know that billions and billions of probiotic (health-promoting) "good" bacteria, also called "flora" populate your intestinal tract? Yes, there is such a thing as good bacteria! These friendly bacteria help the body digest food and maintain a healthy metabolism. Good bacteria form a protective barrier to keep "bad" bacteria out, maintaining a healthy intestinal tract while at the same time stimulating your body's natural defenses. Without good bacteria in the intestines as a barrier, the body is less capable of normal, healthy functioning and unhealthy conditions may develop.

Probiotics are made from the beneficial bacteria that is found either in nature or in healthy human bodies and are "normal" bacteria necessary to maintain well-being. As the name suggests, probiotics are "for life", promoting the growth of good bacteria whereas antibiotics often destroy the good bacteria along with the bad bacteria.

Often times due to stress, diet, toxins, infections, lifestyle changes, medications and traveling, the normal bacteria in our intestinal tract becomes depleted and we may need probiotic supplementation.

Not all probiotics are equal, nor have all probiotic products been clinically proven to be effective. In order for a probiotic to be effective it must be able to survive the acid and bile of the stomach, adhere to the intestinal lining to produce a protective microbial substance and then grow and colonize the intestinal tract.

My personal experience with the probiotic carry is a nearly complete elimination of allergy related sinus problems I have suffered with for over ten years.

Tip: Probiotics are live and therefore should be kept under refrigeration

*NOTE: Probiotics are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure or prevent any specific disease or class of diseases.