What Are The Benefits Of Taking Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is found naturally in the body and plays an important role in maintaining healthy ligaments, cartilage and fluid around joints. You will find it in supplement form, usually containing glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetylglucosamine. The first two are primarily taken by people who suffer from osteoarthritis and similar conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
These are just a few of the benefits you can expect when taking a glucosamine supplement. However, there is a lot more to it than you might think. With that in mind, we explore more and answer your questions about the benefits of taking glucosamine.
What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and is chemically classified as an amino sugar.
It is found in other sources such as shellfish shells, animal bones, fungi and other natural sources.
It plays an important role as a component of many molecular functions in the body. It is mainly intended to help the body produce cartilage for the joints.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help relieve joint pain, but several studies still need to be conducted to determine the true results.
Known for helping people who suffer from osteoarthritis and other related problems.
Is it good to take glucosamine every day?
Yes, glucosamine is considered safe to take every day, but only if you have received all the clear information from your doctor to make sure you are taking the correct dose. When it comes to dosing, the typical dose of glucosamine is 1,500 to 3,000 mg per day. The main form of glucosamine found in supplements is that of
- Glucosamine sulfate
- Glucosamine hydrochloride
- N-acetylglucosamine
All three act in a similar manner and provide the same anti-inflammatory effect, but the best performing of the three has been shown to be glucosamine sulfate.
Extensive scientific studies have shown the best results in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Although glucosamine is considered safe to take, you must be aware of some side effects, such as
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- nausea
- Rash
- diarrhea
It can also affect blood sugar and insulin levels, so those diagnosed with diabetes should consult their general practitioner if they want to start taking glucosamine supplements regularly.
Is glucosamine bad for the kidneys?
Not really, this is because many people with chronic kidney disease regularly take glucosamine to help treat and maintain the problem. That said, it is recommended that patients with renal insufficiency consult their physician before introducing glucosamine supplements into their daily lives. Ongoing research on the results is ongoing, so staying up to date on the latest data will help you find the best formula for you.
Can glucosamine make my joints worse?
Yes, it can if you are taking the wrong dose for the wrong reason. Several studies have been conducted to understand the effects of glucosamine on relieving joint pain. Finding the best form of glucosamine to improve joint health and general function usually involves a combination of chondroitin and glucosamine. This is because chondroitin is another supplement that has been shown to help with cartilage production and mimic the mechanisms of repair as well as their function in the body.
As I have expressed in previous sections, it is critical to confirm with your doctor which type of glucosamine and dosage level is best for your needs.
Can glucosamine help with weight loss?
Yes, it can, and one of the main benefits that has been demonstrated for taking glucosamine, especially if you are classified as overweight, is how it helps maintain and lose weight. This is because it helps the body by breaking down amino acids, which are basically the body’s way of converting carbohydrates into energy and preventing them from being stored as fat.
With that said, taking glucosamine can lead to weight gain. This usually happens if you change your diet or if your diet contains a lot of carbohydrates. To avoid this, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, plan your meals, and know the ideal nutritional guidelines that best suit your needs and body type.
Can glucosamine cause liver damage?
There have been some rare cases of glucosamine causing liver damage, especially if damage has been caused or you are currently recovering from liver damage. Since this concern is rare, you may find that taking a glucosamine supplement will help with any concerns you may have about joint pain or cartilage breakdown. Many people find that the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin produces faster and more effective results in reducing joint pain with minimal impact on the liver.
The dosage of each supplement product varies greatly, so be sure to read the product packaging as this will help you understand the correct amount to take and the ideal time to take it.
How long should I take glucosamine?
Generally speaking, most adults taking supplements for up to 2 years is perfectly safe and effective, for other forms of glucosamine, such as N-acetylglucosamine, the 6 month period is significantly less, after which you must revisit the product to ensure it delivers results.
If you find that you suffer from any of the side effects mentioned earlier, it is recommended that you stop taking the supplement and spend some time looking for alternatives.