Arthritis Treatments - Alternative Treatments For Arthritis

Author : Beverly Maniago 

Arthritis is painful disease of the joints that usually results from trauma, infection, or degenerative conditions. It usually affects older people though there are also cases of juvenile arthritis. Treatment options include the intake of drugs and surgery. However, these last few years have seen researchers actively pursuing several alternative therapeutic regimens.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been increasingly recognized as possible treatments for arthritis. Glucosamine is a sugar compound naturally produced in the body as well as found in several food products. The presence of this substance induces the body to produce glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, needed for the formation of cartilage, the substance found in-between joints and prevents the bones from rubbing painfully against each other. When the cartilage thins out due to infection, an accident, or just plain wear and tear, arthritis occurs. The intake of glucosamine as supplement is believed to aid the body in the production of these building blocks and increase the production of synovial fluid, thereby providing an avenue to alleviate the sufferer's condition or completely curb the degeneration of cartilages.

Due to a great demand, a lot of pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of dietary supplement have released their own glucosamine products to the market. However, consumers need to know the essential factors to be considered in order to achieve the maximum benefits of glucosamine. Before selecting the product to use, determine the type of glucosamine offered and whether the manufacturer has used quality ingredients in their product. Aside from the price, calculating the amount of glucosamine ingested per daily dose is also important. Consumers also need to know the delivery system used as well as the synergistic ingredients contained in the selected glucosamine product. In order to determine the fastest way to achieve pain relief among those suffering from arthritis, researchers have made several studies to compare the efficacy of glucosamine in pill, capsule, or liquid form. Most of these researches have established the liquid form of glucosamine is absorbed fasters and, thus, is more effective as treatment for osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin sulfate, on the other hand, is found to be the most abundant glycosaminoglycan present in the cartilage and contributes to its resiliency and flexibility. It is paired with glucosamine in making dietary supplements that will help alleviate arthritic pain and curtail further damage to the affected joints. Chondroitin is the building block used in the production of proteoglycans, substances that function as components in the making of connective tissues, including cartilage. The supplements offered in the market have chondroitin sulfate taken from animal sources, such as cows or shellfish. Since this compound is taken from a wide variety of sources, consumers need to be especially vigilant in scrutinizing labels and quality of ingredients.

Before taking a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplement, arthritis sufferers need to consider several factors first. It is contraindicated against pregnant women or nursing mothers. These products are also derived from shellfishes, so those with known allergies on this type of food must be wary and need to solicit medical advice before continuing the therapy. Glucosamine is also known to interact with insulin, so diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar levels when taking this product. Again, consulting the doctor first is still the most prudent thing to do. However, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements are not known to interfere with actions of drug therapies for arthritis, such as NSAIDs and analgesics. While there are almost no report of side effects, high dosages may bring about nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and even diarrhea. Those taking glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate must not forgo all other means of achieving pain relief. Patients still need to do other recommended ways to manage arthritic pain, particularly regular exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle.

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.