Table of contents:
- How does glucosamine work?
- What diseases is glucosamine used for?
- Treating knee osteoarthritis
- Glucosamine for osteoarthritis
- Reducing cholesterol
- Treating low back pain
- Reduces bone disease
- Improve sexual disorders
- Warning
Glucosamine is a natural chemical found in the fluids that surround the joints in your body. If you suffer from joint pain caused by arthritis, glucosamine supplements can help treat it. We can help you understand the benefits of glucosamine further.
How does glucosamine work?
Glucosamine has two main types: glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Their job is to produce glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins which are important compounds used to build joints, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid. Many studies have shown that glucosamine helps slow down damage and rebuild cartilage, thus helping to prevent osteoarthritis.
Most of the glucosamine supplements are made from shellfish. There are some side effects of glucosamine, but most of them are very mild. Glucosamine is considered safe, but like any supplement, it can be dangerous if overused.
What diseases is glucosamine used for?
Treating knee osteoarthritis
Studies show that thanks to glucosamine, knee osteoarthritis is treatable. A recent study tested glucosamine sulfate provided by the Rotta Research Laboratory, a manufacturer in Europe. To date, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of glucosamine from other manufacturers. It has been proven that unless the patient uses an appropriate formula of glucosamine sulfate, the treatment does not produce benefit.
Glucosamine for osteoarthritis
Glucosamine can help relieve pain for some patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and spine. This treatment is recommended for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Because of its safety, glucosamine can be an alternative source of NSAIDs for patients who need long-term treatment and are unable to take NSAIDs.
In addition, several studies have concluded that glucosamine can act as a placebo (a pill that does not contain any medication) making users feel better. A study revealed that glucosamine had the same effect compared to placebo in patients with chronic low back pain caused by osteoarthritis of the lower back. As many as 50% of the participants used glucosamine and the rest used a placebo. Both had the same results in treating low back pain, about 50% over a year.
Reducing cholesterol
Many studies have tested the ability of glucosamine to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. Glocosamine is also effective in increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
Treating low back pain
There are many arguments about the effectiveness of glucosamine sulfate on lumbar pain (pain near the lower back). Some researchers believe that treatment with glucosamine sulfate alone or in combination with potassium can help reduce pain.
Reduces bone disease
Evidence reports that using glucosamine alone or with chondroitin sulfate can heal articular cartilage, reduce pain, improve physical function, and increase self-care activities in people with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).
Improve sexual disorders
Glucosamine combination products have also been verified to treat sexual dysfunction in men.
Warning
Although glucosamine can provide many benefits. However, if you are allergic to shellfish or have diabetes, do not take glucosamine. Talk to your doctor before using glucosamine supplements to avoid problems.
