General Information

Our bodies naturally produce glucosamine, an amino sugar that shares some properties of carbohydrates. However, unlike most carbohydrates, glucosamines in the body are not concentrations of energy but rather these mono-molecules act as building blocks to body parts especially cartilage in the joints. Glucose along with hydrogen and nitrogen amines forms this substance.

Glucosamine, which is commercially-formulated, comes in three forms: N-acetyl-glucosamine, glucosamine hydrochloride more commonly known as glucosamine HCl, and glucosamine sulfate. The first is a neutral form of glucosamine while the latter forms are charged because of the anions, chloride in glucosamine HCl and sulfate in glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine preparations for supplements normally employ the charged formulations because of their beneficial effects in joint protection, rehabilitation, and repair. Some clinical studies report that glucosamine hydrochloride works best because the HCl group is naturally found in the stomach as an active molecule that aids in the digestion of vitamins and minerals in the body cells. On the other hand, some studies are in favor of glucosamine sulfate because it effectively binds sulfur and water in the joints due to its absorptive quality.

Aging and Arthritis

As we grow older, our body processes generally slow down. Glucosamine in the body becomes scarce and this deficiency is manifested in various forms of arthritis usually osteoarthritis. Because glucosamine is a primary ingredient that makes our joints healthy, lack of it results in the deterioration of the joints causing bone spurs to materialize. When bone spurs occur, our bones rub against each other and the friction brings in pain and inflammation. We feel this mostly in our weight-bearing joints specifically the limbs, back, hips, and knees. Consequently, mobility, flexibility and activity are reduced.

Osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis results from aging, post-surgical traumas, traumatic injuries, and dehydration. These conditions are even more aggravated by strenuous activities such as sports.

The effectiveness of Glucosamine

When experiencing any sort of pain, our impulses usually move us to grab an aspirin or ibuprofen sitting idly in our bedside table. These pain relievers have been proven to relieve pain quickly in more or less an hour after intake. However, aspirins do not always work well with some people and could bring about adverse effects such as stomach bleeding, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and allergies.

Fortunately, science has constructed an alternative source of pain relief that is more natural: glucosamine. Glucosamine supplements such as Synflex Liquid Glucosamine aid in not only pain relief for various types of arthritis but counteracts the signs of aging and arthritis by restoring destroyed joints and building new and healthier ones. The secret is in the clinically-approved formulation of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and other vitamins and minerals such as essential Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, bromelain, vitamins A and E, shark cartilage, and other essential nutrients necessary for healthy joints. Moreover Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine and other Syn-flex ( Synflex ) Glucosamine supplements come in liquid form providing faster, more complete absorption compared to pills, and results in arthritic pain relief in as little as 7 to 10 days.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease affecting the body’s joints is a prevalent condition amongst middle-aged to old people but can also affect younger people as well. The condition stems from the degeneration of joints, the tissue enveloping the bones that provides for smooth bone movement and allows us to move flexibly. Affected joints are usually the limbs, the back, the knees, and ones between the metacarpals collectively known as the weight-bearing joints.

The human body produces an amino acid that is derived from glucose known as glucosamine that stimulates cartilage production and repair by acting as an analeptic. The process comes in naturally and is enhanced through the regular intake of glucosamine-bearing foods (Glucosamine is also derived from shellfish chitin or shellfish shells.). Glucosamine deficiency occurs as one ages and is accompanied by dearth in proteoglycans (a blanket of amino acids and sugars that augments joint strength and guards cartilage from immediate and severe joint shocks), collagens (fibers in the cartilage), chondrocytes (which produces and holds proteoglycans), and synovial fluid (which acts as a joint lubricant) which are needed to maintain joint health. Joint deterioration is aggravated by sports injuries, dehydration, obesity, and other stress-inducers (common to young people which makes them vulnerable to osteoarthritis before the age of 45).

To counter osteoarthritis with the possibility of completely eliminating its symptoms, glucosamine supplements are prescribed by physicians for pain relief. Besides soothing pain caused by bone to bone friction attributable to deteriorating cartilages, studies on glucosamine show a range of long-term beneficial effects of the sugar. Glucosamine has been found as an effective catalyst for the rehabilitation of joint parts enhancing the production of chondrocytes and synovial fluid. As a stimulant of the chondrocytes, glucosamine aids in the regulation and metabolism of proteoglycans and collagens. It also acts as an analeptic to the production of glycosaminoglycans needed for the cartilage to bind water (The cartilage is 65% water). It enables cartilage metabolism thus preempting and safeguarding the cartilages from continuous and further deterioration.

Doctors encourage osteoarthritis patients to avail of trustworthy brand labels such as Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine that satisfies the important characteristics of high-quality glucosamine supplements. Studies on glucosamine intake have shown that glucosamine in liquid form fairs better and produce more qualitative results than capsule or tablet ones produced by low-quality manufacturers. Synflex manufactures from pharmaceutical grade glucosamine for arthritis patients, athletes, and even pets suffering from joint problems! Moreover, it is popularly identified as one of the few brand names that provide adequate glucosamine amounts per milligram dosage. Intake of Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine is reported to help alleviate pain and inflammation in the joints as quickly as 2 weeks because it contains a well-formulated mix of glucosamine with synergistic ingredients such as chondroitin, bromelain, boswellin, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which help fight symptoms of arthritis.

Glucosamine is also known with many different names like chitosamine, glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine, glucosamine sulfate. It is found in our body in a naturally compounded form. Glucosamine is produced by glucose and amino acid glutamine present in our body. Glucosamine helps in the production of a molecule called glycosaminoglycan. This glycosaminoglycan prevents the formation and repair of cartilage and various other tissues present in the body. Production rate of glycosaminoglycan decreases with the time i.e. production rate of glycosaminoglycan slows down as we grew up and continues to decrease as the time passes and we grew older and older.

Glucosamine can be purchased from any health food center or from any drug center where you can easily get some nutritional supplements. Shells of different sea creatures like crab, lobster and shrimp are used to manufacture the supplements of glucosamine.

NOTE: Glucosamine is also used in various sport drinks and also in different kind of cosmetic products.

Glucosamine normally comes in a combination with chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is a kind of molecule present in cartilage. Chondroitin is responsible for preventing cartilage from being destructed by the enzymes attack.

Why Glucosamine is used?

Glucosamine supplements are basically used for the treatment of osteoarthritis disease (Particularly knee osteoarthritis).

Cartilage, which is a rubbery material and cushions joints in our body becomes very stiff and start losing its elasticity in Osteoarthritis disease, this stiffness of cartilage damages the joint prone which may result into pain, swelling in joints, movement loss in joints and many more disorders. Natural glucosamine produced inside the body helps to prevent and repair joint cartilage.

How to use Glucosamine:

Glucosamine should be taken directly by mouth according to the doctor directions. You should follow all the directions written on the pack of this medicine. If you feel that you cannot understand the direction easily then you should consult to your doctor before starting the use of this medicine.

Glucosamine is not prescribed for more than 6 months of time period. If you face any complication while using this medicine you should immediately stop using this medicine and consult with your doctor.

Precautions while using Glucosamine:

• You should decrease the amount of alcohol you consume daily. Alcohol consumption may affect the possible results of this medicine.

• You should avoid tasks which require you to be alert, just after using this medicine.

• You should avoid the use of this medicine if you have other disease like diabetes, liver or kidney problems and if you are alcohol dependent.

• You should always consult your doctor before starting this medicine and should ask whether this medicine is safe to use for you or not.

• Pregnant women should not use this medicine, but still it is required then they should take it only when it is required and that too under doctors guideline.

• You should be aware about the good and bad effects of this medicine, so you should always consult with your doctor and try to get complete information about this medicine before starting it.

Instructions before using Glucosamine:

You should always consult and inform your doctor before using this medicine. You should tell your doctor about all the medicines either prescribed or non-prescribed medicines you are using or may use in the future. You should ask your doctor that which is the safe medicines to take with glucosamine.

In case of overdose of Glucosamine:

If due to any circumstances you feel that you have taken an overdose of glucosamine than you should immediately call to your doctor of nearest poison control center. Overdose of glucosamine can really cause some major problems. You should always keep a track record of your past medical or laboratory tests as they play a very important role in your treatment.

What if you miss a dosage?

If due to any reason you miss your daily routine dosage then you should take as soon as you remember to take it. You should skip the dose you cannot take in the whole day; you should not double your dosage in any case.

Where to store glucosamine?

You should always study all the instructions printed on the pack of medicine.

Runner’s Question: I’m 24, run a lot and aggressively, and want to prevent the chance of cartilage breakdown. Is glucosamine chondroitin good as a PREVENTATIVE measure, or only as a coping measure?

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Runner’s Question: I am a runner I run 6 days a week and I constantly buy glucosamine am I waisting my money? Can I get enough of it by eating enough seafood that is enrcihed with it?

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Runner’s Question: I haven’t been involved in sports for about 3 years and as a result (among other reasons) I’ve gained about 15-20 lbs of unwanted(!) weight. I am using this half-marathon as an incentive to get myself in shape. I have a training schedule that I found online, but does anyone have recommendations for me? I’d also like to improve my diet, and take healthy supplements. I am currently taking fish oil, vitamin c (just so I don’t get sick), glucosamine (I have bad joints), and a one-a-day multivitamin. Thanks for any help you can offer…

By the way, I start training today – 19-21 miles this week and next week, going up to 32-34 a week, then the lask week is really light before the race. Thanks in advance for your suggestions/help!

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Runner’s Question:Does Glucosamine MSM Complex really help with sore knees from running? This particular Glucosamine supplement also has Collagen Type II. I understand what preventative measures I can take to support my knees and prevent injury. I am just mainly questioning this expensive dietary supplement. I think I remember seeing a post on here about knee pain, so I figured I’d ask you and your readers – Does it help?

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Runner’s Question: I’m 29, I run less than 20 miles a week, but I’ve been getting knee pains lately. Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis both run in the family (no pun intended). Have you (or any of your readers) used/had any luck with Glucosamine?

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