Grab our RSS Feed

Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM supplements

Many people are familiar with glucosamine and chondroitin as health supplements however MSM is not as well known. Both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are substances that are normally found in the human body. These substances are found in the cartilage which is present in our joints. These supplements have been available for consumers for some time health foods stores and pharmacies to help promote joint health. Many practitioners were prescribing these supplements either one alone or in combination for chronic ailments such as osteoarthritis. However the results were mixed at best. What research has found is that by adding an anti-inflammatory agent such as MSM to the mixture, the results for people with inflammatory diseases has been much more positive.

So how do these substances work? Glucosamine works to improve the condition of the cartilage of the body. The cartilage is a fibrous substance most often found in our joints. One of its main functions is to attach bones to other surfaces of the body such as tendons Glucosamine works by making the cartilage stronger and more pliable. This action is very important for people who have chronic problems such as osteoarthritis and have damage in their joints.

Osteoarthritis causes inflammation as well as breakdown and damage to the cartilage and other parts of the joints. This disease normally affects the hips, knees, spine, fingers and toes. Being able to repair the fibrous tissue in the joints gives great potential to improving conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as reducing the symptoms of their disease processes. Most glucosamine that is on the market today as a supplement comes from sources that are usually from protein that is derived from the shells from fish such as crab or shrimp. Therefore anyone who has any sensitivity to shellfish should not take glucosamine.

Chondroitin is another substance that is normally found in the cartilage in the joints of the body. It is responsible improving the ability of cartilage to defend itself against stress. It also helps to inhibit action on the part of certain enzymes that have the ability to break down the cartilage of the joints. Several clinical trials have shown that when chondroitin was taken regularly long term, people had reduced pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis problems. They also required less medication such as NSAID’s. One issue that consumers may have with chondroitin is that it takes up for four months of taking the supplement regularly before a person can tell what results are going to be from this herbal supplement.

MSM or methyl sulfonylmethane is a herbal supplement that is sulfur based. This substance is a naturally found sulfur and is normally found in the foods that humans and animals eat on a daily basis. The way that this substance works is that it reduces inflammation. It also has been shown to reduce painful sensation by stopping or reducing the pain impulses that are relayed on the nerve fibers from the body part through the nervous system to the brain. MSM has been used for many different illnesses including osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic pain and many others. Research has shown that it is beneficial to people who suffer with both muscle and joint pain. MSM is very quick acting and people can start to see results from this supplement within two weeks of taking the supplement.

The combination of the three supplements gives the consumer the best combination possible. Glucosamine and chondroitin help to improve the structure of the cartilage as well as reducing inflammation while MSM quickly reduces inflammation and pain that comes along with these illnesses. The addition of MSM can give people much quicker results as well as an added boost in a well rounded combination of herbs for issues such as we have discussed here.

[quote|tags=chondroitin]

Last updated on Aug 30th, 2009 and filed under Health Supplements. Both comments and pings are currently closed.