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Glucosamine: Osteoarthritis And Crohn's Disease

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Glucosamine, also known as chitosamine or glucosamine sulfate, is a compound that occurs naturally in the body and is made up of glucose and the amino acid, glutamine. The body needs glucosamine in order to produce glycosaminoglycan, which is a molecule employed in the repair and formation of body tissues, including cartilage. Glucosamine is very effective in alleviating pain caused by osteoarthritis, renewing synovial fluid, repairing joints and rehabilitating cartilage that has been damaged due to the onset of osteoarthritis. Why Glucosamine supplements are necessary Every individual produces a certain amount of glucosamine within their body. This production of glucosamine slows down as a person ages resulting in the hardening of the cartilage …show more content…

How Glucosamine helps in Osteoarthritis Glucosamine supplements are commonly taken to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, particularly knee arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage loses its elasticity and stiffens, causing a lot of swelling, pain and loss of movement and making the joint more prone to damage. Glucosamine supplements augment the body's reduced levels of natural glucosamine, which is vital in repairing damaged cartilage and in producing new cartilage. Extensive studies have indicated that glucosamine supplements are highly effective in reducing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and in retarding its progress. Possible Side Effects Caused by Glucosamine Most studies involving human beings have indicated that usage of glucosamine in the short-term is well-tolerated. Side effects are non-fatal and could include headaches, drowsiness and insomnia. Short term usage of glucosamine could also cause a range of mild and temporary digestive complaints including poor appetite, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting and

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