What is chondroitin? Is chondroitin really an effective remedy for joint pain?
Chondroitin, also known as chondroitin sulfate, is a natural substance found in the body that is an important structural component of cartilage and also assists in cartilage repair. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints and enables the bones to move smoothly over one another. Chondroitin levels and cartilage decline with age, which can lead to pain and stiffness in the joints and
osteoarthritis.
Supplemental chondroitin has been used in Europe since the 1960s, but it wasn't until the publication of the book The Arthritis Cure in the mid-1990s that supplemental chondroitin became popular. Since then, chondroitin has become one of the most popular supplements on the market.
Although there are some studies that suggest that supplemental chondroitin doesn't work, other studies have indicated that supplemental chondroitin (which is synthetically produced or derived from cow or shark cartilage) is effective at easing joint pain, improving joint flexibility, and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. There's also plenty of anecdotal evidence that supplemental chondroitin is an effective remedy for joint pain.
Here are four tips for supplementing with chondroitin:
1. Take chondroitin for a minimum of four weeks before assessing its effectiveness. The effects of chondroitin occur over time, not right away.
2. Once joint pain subsides, continue taking chondroitin to prevent joint pain from occurring in the future.
3. Taking chondroitin together with glucosamine, another effective joint pain supplement, has been shown to increase their individual effects.
4. Try taking chondroitin instead of common pain killers such as Ibuprofen. Chondroitin treats both the causes and symptoms of joint pain, while common pain killers only treat the symptoms and can often produce negative side effects.
What is chondroitin? It might just be the remedy for joint pain that you've been looking for.
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Discover what other supplements in addition to chondroitin are the best supplements for joint pain by visiting http://www.functional-fitness-facts.com/supplements-for-joint-pain.html 
