Glucosamine: Should You Try it?

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural medicine used in the treatment of arthritis (mainly osteoarthritis).

It provides the raw material needed for chondrocytes to regenerate cartilage. A glucosamine deficiency caused by aging and/or trauma leads to osteoarthritis. The oral consumption of glucosamine salts provides the raw material needed for joint cartilage synthesis and repair.

In simple terms, it assists in the repair of damage to joints caused by the arthritis and helps protect them against further damage. In more specific terms, it assists in the following:

• Supporting and enhancing anabolic chondrocyte synthesis.


• Supporting or enhancing the synthesis of synovial fluid, which is required to lubricate the joint.


• Inhibiting free radical enzymes and autoimmune processes that degrade joint cartilage.


• Removing blockages in blood vessels leading to the joint.

Does Glucosamine Work?

I guess that this question is in the mind of everyone who could potentially benefit from it.

Numerous studies have been made regarding it's potential benefits. Some have found no real improvement and other significant improvements in the patients wellbeing - go figure!

Speaking as a long-term sufferer of osteoarthritis, I have found that the extended use of glucosamine has had a major effect in improving my condition and I have no hesitation in totally recommending it's use. Obviously my conclusions are subjective rather than objective, as I don't have the means of actually seeing what is happening to my joint inside. However, I have experienced a considerable improvement in the range of movement available in the affected joints (mainly hands and wrists in my case) coupled with a marked decrease in pain levels. In my full time activity I need to make extensive use of a keyboard and mouse and I now find that I can do so for a whole day without significant discomfort. Also, working out at the gym has become a far more pleasurable activity as I don't need to dose myself up with painkillers in advance.

So I would say that if you are thinking of giving it a try, then go for it!

I mentioned above that I would detail what I believe is the number 1 reason why many people experience no benefits, and here it is:

In order to gain the benefits of glucosamine, it's necessary to use it for at least 10-15 weeks! It really is a long-term thing, and many people in this modern impatient world simply give up far too soon. So don't you go making that mistake. Stick with it, and eventually you will also be seeing the benefits!

Good Health!