Glucosamine: benefits and contraindications

The Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database has analyzed the components and effects of glucosamine sulfate as a “possibly effective” substance for treating osteoarthritis. Most studies on how glucosamine can help arthritis have shown its effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and spine .

Research has shown that the consumption of glucosamine can be as effective as the ingestion of painkillers and anti-inflammatories to treat the pain in the bones and joints that this disease causes. However, it was also determined that those with the disease in an acute phase do not respond as successfully to pain. Likewise, long-term use of this substance is recommended in people with osteoarthritis to prevent wear and tear on the joints.

The main function of glucosamine sulfate is the treatment of this condition, although its consumption has also been associated with other benefits. However, it is worth noting that the lack of research does not allow us to verify the efficacy of glucosamine when it is associated with:

• Painful bladder or interstitial cystitis . It is a condition that causes pain, burning, and pressure when urinating. Research found that taking glucosamine sulfate in combination with other medications to treat this condition can improve symptoms.
• Knee pain . A study in which 1500 mg of glucosamine sulfate was given for 28 days showed that taking this substance does not improve knee pain in people with injuries in this area.
• Multiple sclerosis . Research on glucosamine has determined that the intake of this substance can delay the recurrence of attacks of multiple sclerosis.
• Arthrosis in the temporomandibular joint . Research has shown that jaw pain decreases in some people when they consume glucosamine. The effect was similar to that of any painkiller or anti-inflammatory, but varied according to the amount of supplement administered.

This supplement has the power to stimulate the production of other substances to together form and repair tendons, ligaments and cartilage , which helps the health of the joints and prevents them from wearing out, delaying the advancement of diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis mainly.

The movement of the joints is cushioned by cartilage, which can break down when a person has arthritis or osteoarthritis, causing a lot of pain and stiffness. How does glucosamine help? Well, increasing the amount of fluid and cartilage in the joints so that they have greater support and their deterioration is delayed.

The intake of glucosamine sulfate is recommended in these cases and not glucosamine alone because sulfate also intervenes in the production of cartilage, allowing the effect to be much more successful for joint health.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding . There is no research to ensure whether the consumption of glucosamine sulfate is dangerous or not during pregnancy. For this reason, it will always be advisable to consult with your doctor before consuming this and any other medication, supplement or substances.

Asma . There is a study that associates the appearance of an asthma attack with the consumption of glucosamine. As there is still not enough research to prove or support otherwise, it is preferable that asthmatics do not take this supplement.

Diabetes . In the past it was believed that glucosamine could increase blood glucose levels, however, currently there is research that has shown that the consumption of this supplement does not alter the sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. monitor blood glucose levels when consuming glucosamine.

Cholesterol . As with sugar, it was believed that glucosamine increased levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, but recent studies have shown otherwise. The same happens with high blood pressure, so it is still recommended to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol if you start taking this supplement.

Allergies . Some glucosamine supplements extract this substance from shellfish shells. People who have an allergy to these foods should be very careful when starting to consume glucosamine, so it is recommended to verify their origin beforehand. So far there is no case of adverse reaction in people allergic to shellfish and who are treated with glucosamine.

Surgery . Since it is believed that its consumption can raise blood sugar levels, its intake should be stopped five days before surgery.

Medications . Glucosamine can interact with other medications and cause serious, moderate, and minor consequences. DO NOT CONSUME GLUCOSAMINE before speaking with your doctor if you are being treated with:

• Warfarin
• Chemotherapy.
• Analgesics and antipyretics.
• Remedies for diabetes.

Glucosamine Side Effects

• Intestinal gas
• Loose stools
• Stomach ache.
• Abdominal pain.

It is a form of glucosamine that can be made in a laboratory or from the shells of shellfish. This type is also used for osteoarthritis, back pain, knee pain and to treat glaucoma, however, there are no studies that support the effectiveness of this supplement in the care of these pathologies. As the research that has been carried out has focused mostly on glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride is considered to be not very effective in treating:

• High cholesterol.
• Diseases of the bones.
• Back pain.
• Glaucoma.
• Knee pain.

The mode of action in the body, the contraindications and the side effects of glucosamine hydrochloride are the same as those of glucosamine sulfate.

Many are the dietary supplements that contain glucosamine, however, it is believed that its slimming effect is the result of a combination of supplements and other substances, since glucosamine itself can lead to weight gain in people who consume it as a treatment for arthritis or osteoarthritis. Even many people who take these supplements have been warned of the importance of a strong and constant training to see better results.

In addition, if we take into account the contraindications of glucosamine that suggest that its consumption can increase blood sugar levels, it is totally understandable that the intake of this supplement has a negative impact on body weight. If you are diabetic, have insulin resistance or have high sugar and cholesterol, consult your doctor before consuming it.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Glucosamine: benefits and contraindications , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .