The Power of Glucosamine
Ross McNeill, Personal Trainer at Champneys Gym in London, tells how you can supplement your fitness regime with Glucosamine and reap the benefits
If you work out regularly, then you are clearly doing your body a favour. However, from time to time and as you get older your body may need help in restoring its natural functions due to wear and tear. Delayed muscle soreness, inflammation and joint pain may signal a need for extra help.
Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Glucosamine in maintaining healthy joints. In fact it has been suggested that it stimulates the development of new cartilage and helps repair damaged cartilage.
Specifically, clinical data has shown how glucosamine supplementation has been found to be very useful in the treatment of tissue injuries and joint inflammation. Tissues inside and around the joints get damaged because the fluids in the joint spaces become thin and watery, instead of thick and elastic. There is a loss of the normal cushioning and consequently the bones and the lining cartilage collide and scrape together inside the joint space. This allows tendons to rub against the hard edge of bones, cartilage starts to erode and problems begin. However supplementation with glucosamine can help to restore the thick, gelatinous nature of fluids and tissues in and around the joints.
Although your body produces some glucosamine already, a supplement is more effective. Common uses for Glucosamine supplementation include the following:
- to reduce swelling of the knees, fingers and other joints due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- to relieve pain, inflammation and stiffness
- helps to reduce arthritic back and neck pain
- may help with the healing of sprains
- to generally strengthen joints and prevent future injury
In addition, glucosamine may be useful in promoting a healthy lining in the gastrointestinal tract and may be beneficial in treating ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Whilst recent research from the States has demonstrated that oral administration of glucosamine for a few days following surgery may help to speed recovery and may also reduce surgical scarring and the complications it can cause.
The usual dosage for arthritis and other conditions is generally 500mg of glucosamine sulphate three times daily with food. This amount has been shown to be safe and effective for most people. Because glucosamine is a natural substance it is virtually free of side effects. In addition the beneficial results of glucosamine are more obvious the longer it is used. So now there should be no reason to complain about too many unncessary aches and pains from training hard in the gym.
REFERENCES:
Elderberg ( 2000 ) The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs. Pleasantville. New York. U.S.A
Theodosakis ( 1997 ) Glucosamine; The Arthristis Cure. Century Books
