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Omega-3 Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Are they arthritis savers

By: Richard Haigh

Omega-3 fatty acids have been well documented for their ability to reduce inflammation. With strong anti-inflammation properties, it makes sense that fish oils have been touted as the next big thing in arthritis care. But do these oils really work? Are they a cure for that persistent arthritis pain?

A lot of alternative medicine therapies,are really "folklore" and quite often there is not enough scientific evidence to conclude if they relieve the symptoms; this is as true for fish oil and arthritis, as much as for any thing else. However, early research is encouraging.

Recent clinical trials and laboratory studies have concluded that fish oil, because of its omega-3 structure, may be helpful in reducing the feelings of stiff morning muscles and tender joints that so many arthritis sufferers experience. Researchers have not yet concluded the appropriate dosage for maximum effectiveness, nor how long treatment should last.

However, researchers have also discovered possible side effects of fish oil supplementation. In some cases, fish oil has been shown to increase the risk of the blood's ability to clot. For some people, consuming fish oil may affect the time it takes for their blood to clot. This can be an important issue in cases where the patient is taking medications that affect their blood.

Fish oil supplementation has also been shown to interact with blood pressure medications. Apparently, taking fish oil supplements while taking high blood pressure medications may cause their blood pressure to lower significantly.

There is one more likely risk of supplementing with fish oil and that is: that fish has been found to often contain noteworthy levels of contaminants. And more over fish are sometimes been found to be hazardous because of their mercury level. Taking fish oils as a supplement could be a risk, above all to young children, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Fish with the utmost levels of mercury include swordfish, tuna, king mackerel, tilefish, and shark.

To avoid these risks, make sure to find a low-mercury fish. Finding this information can often be difficult, and may involve calling the manufacturer to ask about mercury levels.

In the main, it must be said that the small risk of consuming fish oil is not great and is far out weighted by the benefits. It may only be slight stomach upset and gas.

On the fringe of current arthritis treatment, Glucosamine and Chondroitin have not yet been proven by medical research to have health benefits for arthritis sufferers, so why have these two dietary supplements become all the rage?

The said boffins have done some work on these two supplements with animals and it has been found that anti-inflammatory properties are present in both.

Both of these supplements are becoming very popular among arthritis sufferers despite the lack of evidence.Indeed my own doctor told me not to waste my time or money taking Glucosamine and Chondrotin but I would not be without them.I take them with Aloe Vera in a drink called Freedom ( see my site www.aloeveraexpress.com for details )

The question, as always is : do they really work? Well here is some information to help you decide if these supplements are right for you at this time.

First off: What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine is as dietary or nutritional supplement.It extracted from animal tissue: glucosamine from crab, lobster or shrimp shells.

This arthritis supplement is generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur. The most commonly reported side effects of glucosamine and include:Nausea/Diarrhea/heartburn/increased intestinal gas and constipation

Chondroitin sulfate is another natural substance found in the body. It prevents other body enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint cartilage. The type sold in health-food stores and pharmacies is derived from animal products.

As for Chondroitin, it also appears to be safe for most people. Some medical researchers believe that Chondroitin can worsen pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, allergies, and certain cancers. The most common side effects of Chondroitin include nausea and stomach irritation.

Conclusion: The agreement among doctors is that Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements could well lessen pain in some patients with Osteoarthritis. Many now believe that there is value in trying these supplements for Osteoarthritis. They do appear to be safe, but doctors are warning patients that the quality and effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin varies because of the non-regulation. If you want to try them, buy high quality products and there is no better then Aloe Vera Freedom with a 60-day money back guarantee.

Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db

Before you purchase anything online, make sure your look at Freedom of Aloe Vera www.aloeveraexpress.com/site/1345660/product/196">Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy joints and mobility. ,and Aloe Vera gel with Glucosamine and Chondroitin
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