The Center for Disease Control estimates that about 30% of adults suffer from joint pain. Many adults try taking medication with unnecessary side effects. Other people often decide to suffer from their aches and pains until the pain is no longer manageable. Fortunately, you can treat arthritis and other forms of joint pain without a prescription. You may want to buy glucosamine instead. Glucosamine helps produce glycosaminoglycans, which are an important component in joint cartilage.
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino acid that plays a key role in keeping cartilage healthy. Many people suffering from arthritis and joint pain take glucosamine supplements.
A recent report from WebMD said that some studies show that glucosamine tablets can help reverse cartilage damage. These studies don’t cite a causal relationship between taking the supplements and reversing joint damage. However, they clearly show that many people benefit from them.
Do You Need Supplements to Take Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a natural amino acid, but there aren’t any foods that are known to contain it. The supplements are usually made from the shells of shellfish, which aren’t edible.
The only known way to get glucosamine is by taking supplements. Fortunately, research indicates that these consuming these supplements in safe doses is safe and don’t have many side effects.
How Much Glucosamine Should You Take?
The recommended dose is a 500 mg pill. You should take the supplement three times a day for optimal results. This is what you would expect with the types of pills that you can find here http://www.seven-seas.com/jointcare/ingredients/glucosamine.
You want to be careful not to take more than the recommended dose. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Endocrinology shows that higher doses can damage the pancreas. This could increase the risk of developing diabetes, but additional studies are needed to confirm this.
Research has shown that there people who take more than the recommended dose tend to suffer from some side effects. These include upset stomach, sedation and heart burn. However, these effects are usually mild.
When to Speak With a Physician
Glucosamine tablets are shown to be safe for most people, but it is still a good idea to speak with a doctor before taking them. It is particularly important to speak with a doctor if you suffer from any of the following:
- Shellfish allergies
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Blood diseases
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Stomach ulcers
Most people can take moderate doses of glucosamine without suffering any adverse effects. However, you will want to consult with a professional before taking it.
About the author: Jimmy Klocek is a freelance health writer. He writes about the benefits of buying glucosamine tablets.
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