Glucosamine & Chondroitin Help Reduce Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a cushion between the bones of the joints.

There are over 100 different types of arthritis conditions but osteoarthritis is the most common. Over 20 million Americans will be affected with some sort of arthritis in their lifetime.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, knees and hips. Many people with osteoarthritis have what is referred to as primary osteoarthritis because there is no known cause. Secondary osteoarthritis is when the cause is known. Primary osteoarthritis is mostly related to aging. With aging, the water content of the cartilage increases and the protein makeup degenerates. Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by:

• a disease
• condition such as obesity
• repeated trauma
• surgery to joints
• abnormal joints
• gout
• diabetes
• hormone disorders

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis include:

• joint pain usually worse late in the day
• swelling
• warmth
• creaking of the affected joints
• stiffness

Glucosamine Product - Exomine

Managing the pain and inflammation can be done in many ways. One way is to use glucosamine and chondroitin products such as Exomine. Glucosamine is a precursor to a molecule called a glycosaminoglycan-this molecule is used in the formation and repair of cartilage.

Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and is responsible for the resiliency of cartilage. Glucosamine and Chondroitin may increase the rate of formation of new cartilage by providing more of the necessary building blocks.

There have been many studies on the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis. Many of these studies lasted 30-60 days but indicated more reduction in pain then those taking a placebo pill.

The effects of glucosamine and chondroitin was similar to the effects of patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) but NISAIDS carry an increased risk of side effects like gastrointestinal complaints and bleeding. Glucosamine and chondroitin have few side effects and have a better effect to the cartilage surface while NSAIDS can increase the progression of osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is effective in:

• Reducing joint pain
• Increasing lubrication of the joint
• Stimulating cartilage matrix repair
• Inhibiting enzymes that breakdown cartilage
• Preserving joint space
• Anti-inflammatory actions

Chondroitin has shown to be effective in:

• reduces osteoarthritis pain
• improves function mainly for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis
• reduces joint swelling and stiffness
• provides relief from symptoms for up to 3 months after treatment has stopped

Seeing how both of these supplements work independently, it is important to use a product that contains both like Exomine does. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin Progressive Health's product Exomine also contains:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B3
• Boron
• Methylsulfonyl Methane
• Boswellia Serrata Ext.
• Ginger Root
• Cat's Claw
• Tumeric Root
• Grapeseed Ext.
• BioCell Collagen II
• Hyaluronic Acid

To learn more about natural supplement for joint pain, read our Joint Supplement Review.

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