Real Meds » osteoarthritis

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

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

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nick — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:14:15 +0000

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Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder, causing your immune system to attack the joints, causing a painful inflammation. Unlike other forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis, RA also attacks the organs like the heart, eyes and lungs. Of the 100+ forms of arthritis, this is one of the most debilitating varieties.

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 1 out of 100 North Americans, or 2.1 million people, and women are three times more likely to get the disease than men. The cause of RA is unknown, but a popular theory points to the disease being infectious as those who have close friends or family with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. Susceptibility to the disease may also be an inherited trait as well.

Early detection is vital in treating RA because the most damage is done within the first two years, with 75% of the damage occurring within the first five years. While there is no cure or preventative measure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are a number of treatments to alleviate symptoms. Each type of drug includes its own side effects- make sure that you are informed about the medication you are taking, and report any side effects to your doctor.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, reduce the pain and swelling of the joints. Many can be had without a prescription, like acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen. In more severe cases your doctor can prescribe a stronger NSAID. Omega-3, found in fatty fish, also works to shorten the period of stiffness in the morning, one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Add salmon or albacore tuna to your diet, or try an Omega-3 supplement like Omega Daily.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, known as DMARDs, are slow-acting and may take weeks to take effect. While NSAIDs are effective in relieving pain short term, DMARDs are a long term treatment meant to reduce damage to the joint and bone. Methotrexate is the most widely used DMARD.

Biologic Response Modifiers are a third medication for RA sufferers, although it is extremely cost prohibitive, costing upwards of $25,000 a year and is rarely covered by insurance. Biologic Response Modifiers, called Biologics for short, work by decreasing inflammation. They are usually paired with other medication.

There are a number of things you can do yourself to make living with the disease easier. While it is tempting to put as little exertion on your sore joints as possible, keeping active is essential to enjoying life with rheumatoid arthritis. This is for a number of reasons. The first is that regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the joint and increases flexibility. Try low-impact activities, like swimming. Try not to partake in any activities that involve too much exertion, which causes more harm than good.
Use heat and cold to your advantage, easing pain. Heat should be applied only when the joint is not inflamed, and preferably in the form of a bath or hot shower. Use cold packs on the inflamed joint directly or after strenuous use of the joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Real Meds