Real Meds » joints

What Is Glucosamine And What Does It Do Really?

Nick — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 23:14:14 +0000

What is glucosamine and what does it do, really?

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that was identified in 1876. It is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine is made naturally in the body.

But like many other things, as we grow older, our bodies lose its ability to make it naturally. This can cause problems in our joints, more seriously in some than in others. Supplemental glucosamine may help rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis.

If you buy glucosamine, you will generally buy it in the form of glucosamine sulphate or glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine is considered a dietary supplement, not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical treatment in humans, although it is used as veterinary treatments as a supplement. In Europe it is used as a medical drug in the form of glucosamine sulphate.

D-Glucosamine is made naturally in the form of glucosamine-6-phosphate. Although the studies conducted on this supplement usually show it to be safe, because it generally comes from shellfish people who have allergies to shellfish take the supplement with caution. The glucosamine comes from the shells of fish, not the fish. Even though the allergy comes from the flesh of the fish and not the shell, some people still have concerns.

There have been many clinical trials in Europe and in the United States to find out if glucosamine helps patients with osteoarthritis. The results vary widely so it is difficult to state for a fact whether there is a real benefit to taking the supplement.

On a personal note, I have started drinking a fruit juice supplement that is completely natural and contains glucosamine. Within a few days of drinking it I noticed a significant difference in the pain in my back and the aches, pains and stiffness that I have in the morning. I believe that the juice I drink has the natural ingredients needed to help my body repair itself and reduce inflammation which can benefit different areas of my body.

Now, back to the facts. Glucosamine is made and used in the body, loses it as we grow older, and can be bought as a supplement. Does it help? I guess you need to decide that one for yourself, because it depends on what clinical trial you read as to whether or not that is a fact.

For more information see http://www.thehealthjuice.net

What Is Glucosamine And What Does It Do Really? Real Meds

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nick — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 18:25:27 +0000

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If you’re reading this, chances are you or a loved one suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that not only attacks the joints like other forms of arthritis, but organs like the heart and lungs as well.

Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike many other kinds of arthritis, also usually affects both the right and left side of the body symmetrically. For instance, both your hands will be inflamed, rather than just one, making any task all the more difficult as you do not have one part of the body to lead over the other. This adds to the frustration of the disease, further hindering mobility. For those living with rheumatoid arthritis, whether they are in chronic pain or suffer from flares, there is no aspect of their life that is not affected by the disease.

While there are no cures for rheumatoid arthritis yet, there are measures you can take to make living with the disease easier. Besides the medications that your doctor prescribes, you can take responsibility for alleviating the symptoms and improving your overall quality of life. While some of these may seem like small changes, you won’t believe how much they can help.

The first and most important thing you can do for yourself is get regular exercise. Activities like swimming and other light cardio works the joints and muscles around the joints and also strengthens mobility. Your doctor can recommend the best form of exercise for you, targeting the areas that need help.

While exercise is vital, so is not putting too much physical stress on yourself. Avoid heavy lifting whenever possible; also, learn how to bend properly, such as lifting with your knees rather than your back. If you have arthritis in your hands, get an electric can opener instead of using a manual one.

Because of the pain at night that accompanies rheumatoid arthritis, many of those with the disease have difficulty sleeping. Your doctor can prescribe sleeping pills of varying strengths, if necessary.

Learn when it’s best to use heat or cold to lessen pain. Heat should not be applied directly to inflamed joints; instead, enjoy hot baths or showers for aching muscles and soreness. Use cold directly on the inflamed joint, preferably with an ice pack.

Adding fatty fish or fish oil has been found to lessen the length of morning stiffness and intensity of inflammation pain, according to a 200 study published by Australian scientists in Journal of Rheumatology. Eat fish like albacore tuna, salmon or herring regularly, or try a supplement packed with Omega-3, like Omega Daily.

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis Real Meds

Preventing Osteoarthritis

Nick — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:14:17 +0000

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If you have a family history of osteoarthritis then you have a higher chance of developing the disease yourself. Besides genetic predisposition, osteoarthritis can be present in those who are overweight or those who routinely put stress on the particular joint. Injury is also a culprit.

Osteoarthritis affects the joints in the body, most commonly the spine, hips, knees, feet and hands. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage between these joints, causing bones to rub together. This causes discomfort and a decrease in mobility to the area.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 21 million people in the United States. It can be caused by a number of factors. While it is more frequently found in those over 45, it can occur in younger people. Under 45, men are more likely to develop the disease than women, while over 45 women are more likely to develop it than men.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the onset of the disease, and it’s easier than you think. It’s about taking care of your body, which hopefully you’re doing already as good health is the key to combating any form of disease, as well as education.

If you are overweight you are far more likely to develop osteoarthritis than someone who isn’t. This is because the extra weight puts unnecessary stress on the joints. Keeping in shape also helps to prevent many other diseases, such as heart disease.

Keep fit, not only to keep your weight in healthy range but also to work your joints. Aerobic exercises that work as much of your body are especially important; they revitalize your circulatory system and keep your heart rate up, as well as keep your joints limber. Make sure not to over exert yourself, especially if you feel pain in a joint, as this may only cause to exacerbate the condition you are trying to prevent. Discuss with your doctor what kinds of exercises are best for you. Osteoarthritis in the hands is the most genetically predispositioned form of the disease, so if you are at risk ask your doctor if there is anything you can do.

Injury to the joints can also cause the onset of osteoarthritis. Be sure to wear protective gear, like wrist guards for instance, when deemed necessary.

There have been some foods and supplements that have been reported to decrease your chances of getting the disease. While some initial results have proved encouraging, studies are still continuing for conclusive results. None of the supplements have been reported to carry side effects though, and are part of a healthy lifestyle.

An anti-inflammatory is just what you’re looking for. Anti-inflammatory properties can be found in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish like salmon or albacore tuna. Since our North American diet is severely lacking in fish on a regular basis, try an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Omega Daily.

Early detection is important. If you feel a recurring pain in your joints, or a stiffness that won’t go away, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the best way to deal with the pain.

Preventing Osteoarthritis Real Meds