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Most of the joint pain you feel is probably caused by damage to connective tissue (i.e., ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and joint capsules). If you go to your doctor, he'll probably prescribe drugs or recommend surgery. But there are safer alternatives to drugs and surgery. Recent studies showed that you can get excellent results with a natural supplement that you can take as an arthritis preventive treatment (especially if you exercise). This supplement is Glucosamine. What Is GLUCOSAMINE And How Does It Work? Healthy cartilage needs three things: *Water for lubrication and nourishment *Proteoglycans to attract and hold the water *Collagen to keep the proteoglycans in place Proteoglycans are like a rope that threads itself through the collagen and are essential as they hold many times their own weight of water. This lubricates and nourishes the collagen. If the cartilage is damaged, the thread of rope becomes weak and 'leaks' out. As the collagen loses its nourishment, the proteoglycans lose their grip and float away. Thus, the cartilage cannot withstand shocks or cracks and may wear out completely. Glucosamine is a major building block of the water - living proteoglycans. Besides being a building block for the synthesis of proteoglycans, its mere presence acts as a stimulus to the cells that produce proteoglycans. In fact, glucosamine is a key factor in determining how many proteoglycans are produced by the cells. Glucosamine has been shown to speed up production of both proteoglycans and collagen and it normalises cartilage metabolism. This helps keep cartilage from breaking down. Thus, because of the affect of glucosamine on cartilage metabolism, it can help the body repair damaged or eroded cartilage. In other words, glucosamine strengthens your body's natural repair mechanisms. Besides stimulating cartilage production, glucosamine also reduces joint pain and inflammation. Recommended dose Glucosamine should be taken in 500 mg twice daily doses, morning and evening. Take it with food because stomach upset has been reported in people who take glucosamine on an empty stomach. Glucosamine can be an expensive supplement, so don't buy the additional ingredients that increase the price. The pills are preferable to the liquid (and if you suffer arthritis consult your physician).
Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db
Dov Oshri is the author of the revolutionary Anti-Aging Fitness Program "Change Your Body and Be Admired". He is the chief editor of Body for Mind – a Wellness Lifestyle for Successful People. His cutting edge Anti-Aging Fitness Program can be downloaded for FREE at www.bodyformind.com
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