Glucosamine and MSM- The building blocks for the cartilage

What is Glucosamine?

What is Glucosamine Glucosamine is an amino acid effective for the formation of cartilage, obtained in a form of combined salt like- Glucosamine Hydrochloride or Glucosamine Sulphate. Generally derived from crab shells, they are found to be non-allergic to maximum people apart from the ones allergic to people from shellfish. Glucosamine is one of the well-known supplements for helping nerve circulation. Being components of normal cartilage, these are also used as supplements to ease the pain of arthritis, spondylitis and back pain. Glucosamine is the building block for the cartilage that helps in stimulation of making more cartilage. As a naturally occurring substance, it is believed to help develop and renew the wear and tear of the cartilages and also keep them lubricated for better joint movement and perfect flexibility.

How it prevent back pain and spondylitis?

prevent back pain and spondylitis One of the most important features of Glucosamine supplements is that they help in slowing and preventing the degeneration of joint cartilage, which is the major cause of back pain and spondylitis. Glucosamine intake in the body creates a “cushion” that surrounds the joints. This cushion prevents back pain and spondylitis. Taking Glucosamine as a supplement helps in refuelling the supply of these essential elements needed to rebuild the cushion. Glucosamine is a building block for the molecules necessary to build the cartilage. The working theory behind Glucosamine supplements is that they slow down the reverse cartilage degeneration process, thereby reducing the chances of pain and spondylitis. It also acts as a pain medication as it has anti-inflammatory properties similar to such as ibuprofen, etc, Hence glucosamine relieves the back pain. Trial results for Glucosamine show effectiveness on both back pain and spondylitis.

What is MSM?

What is MSM Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is a naturally occurring form of sulphur that helps in supporting the muscles and tendons of the body. This is another supplement for easing the pain of arthritis. This is an organic Sulphur compound that has still not been through much scientific testing. MSM is one of the best supplements for pain relieving by working as a system support for both muscles and tendons. It is generally contained as a natural element in the food or it can also be taken as a supplement, but often it disappears or significantly reduces due to the over processing it undergoes through.

What are the benefits of combining Glucosamine and MSM?

Benefits of Glucosamine and MSM Glucosamine and MSM are equally effective supplements in their own domain, but when combined together it provides a lot many benefits. As an effective combination supplement, they help to support maximum flexibility, a range of motion, joint lubrication and maintenance of muscles and tendons for managing joint pains and other related diseases. Glucosamine and MSM is a combination medicine that has been used widely as a medicine for effective aid in treating osteoarthritis, muscle damage caused by exercise, and other inflammatory joint disorders. Studies for differential examination of these elements separately has shown wonderful results, but under cartilage degeneration experimental models of osteoarthritis, studies have shown better efficacy when they are used in combination. For this reason, most popular joint formulas include combinations of Glucosamine and MSM taken together to make them even more effective formula. To test this theory, researchers conducted a 12-week double-blind clinical trial on 118 patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The trial showed excellent results with the combination of Glucosamine and MSM. One group was provided an intake of 500 mg of glucosamine sulphate and the other group took 500 mg of MSM and the last group took both. In the Glucosamine-only group, pain scores fell from 1.74 to 0.65; in the MSM only group, pain scores fell from 1.53 to 0.74; and in the combination group, pain scores fell from 1.7 to 0.36. This result shows an effective result of about twice the level of improvement in pain and inflammation as compared to either Glucosamine or MSM alone.

How does MSM helps to prevent knee synovial fluid?

MSM helps to prevent knee synovial fluid The nutritional supplements have helped a lot not only in pain relieving but also in equal production of the related fluids. MSM has found to be one of the most important elements for production of the lubrication Synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a thick colorless liquid that surrounds the knee joints. Methyl Sulphonyl Methane (MSM) is a natural form of organic sulphur and one of the significant components for the production of this fluid. This fluid is like lubricating oil for the joints, that promotes a full range of motion and flexibility near to the joints. As a supplement, MSM is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, but is an essential component for building the cartilage, mucous membranes, and synovial fluid and thereby preventing the reduction of these fluids near the joints.

Is the Normal intake of Glucosamine and MSM also toxic?

Glucosamine and MSM  is often sold as health supplement in the market as a building block for muscles, cartilage and tendons. There have been no regulated manufacturing standards for many compounds and as a result some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Thus to avoid any such situations of toxicity, these health supplements should be purchased only from reliable sources to minimise the risk of contamination. It has not been known if Glucosamine and MSM have any toxic harm, but the usage of the supplements without proper medical advice can be harmful. Also, an excess intake of the same can create toxic emergencies and allergies as well. Medical help in case any of the related signs is always recommended. Some of the allergic reactions associated may include: hives, difficulty in breathing, face swelling including swelling on lips, tongue, or throat.

There are certain common side effects associated with the intake of these supplements that may include

  • Gas and stomach cramps with nausea
  • Headache, heart burn with drowsiness
  • Diarrhoea & constipation
  • Swelling in the ankles or the feet
  • Skin irritation that leads to itching
  • Even red and puffy eyes and eyelids
Thus, intake of these supplements must be done only after proper consultation to avoid any toxic side-effect or allergies.

2 thoughts on “Glucosamine and MSM- The building blocks for the cartilage

  1. Ronnie Chettiar says:

    Hi kindly recommend supplements for cartilage regeneration Have severe osteoarthritis of the left knee n pain iaroundthe knee cap .Kind regards

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