Glucosamine appears to be destroyed by cooking
No food is particularly rich in the nutrient, and most glucosamine appears to be destroyed by cooking. Glucosamine is found to some degree in most of the foods we eat, especially fish and meat. Seeing as it is not possible to get enough Glucosamine to make a difference through your diet, it is necessary to take Glucasamine Supplements.
Glucosamine is available in three varieties: the previously discussed glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG). While all three varieties of glucosamine offer various levels of effectiveness in relieving arthritis pain the Glucosamine/ Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 shows evidence otherwise.
This study of 1,583 people with osteoarthritis of the knee found that glucosamine hydrochloride made little or no difference. When glucosamine hydrochloride was combined with chondroitin sulfate, there was some benefit for more serious osteoarthritis pain, but glucosamine hydrochloride by itself should not be used. Further testing of the other varieties as well as comparisons of glucosamine sulfate and NAG are needed in order to assess the benefits of NAG.
Glucosamine sulphate is often sold in formulation with chondroitins. Chondroitin is also produced by the body and helps cartilage retain fluid, keeping it spongy. Although studies about the effectiveness of chondroitins leave the verdict for condroitins as yet unclear. Nearly all the research has used glucosamine sulfate supplements alone, not in combination with chondroitins. A growing body of research suggests chondroitin sulfate is also effective, but there simply isn’t as much research on the combination of Glucosomine Sulphate and Chondroitin.
For some people who need to reduce their salt intake, there can be a concern with the sulfate in glucosimine sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate is available in a potassium-bound form; look for glucosamine sulfate potassium chloride, which alleviates that concern.
Supplements are not a complete answer to joint problems. It is counterproductive to take a supplement and then engage in other activities and lifestyle choices that threaten the health of your joints. Refrain from repetitive motions that put excessive stress on your joints. Eat a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and rest, keeping excess weight off, and, if possible.
Can Glucosamine Reverse Symptoms?
Glucosamine sulfate does delay the worsening of osteoarthritis of the knee, according to scientific research. Using X-rays to measure whether knees were deteriorating 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate once a day were shown to have one-third to one-half the risk of worsening compared to those taking placebos.
Another study used electron microscopy and showed that cartilage taken from subjects who had used glucosamine sulfate appeared healthy and young.
If you suffer from arthritis, ask a doctor – preferably a naturopath or doctor who understands natural remedies, whether glucosamine might help you. It’s possible that you and your doctor can come up with a therapy to reduce your symptoms, and perhaps even reverse them, without the risk of dangerous side effects.
