Glucosamine and Chrondroitin/ what is it?

This information is here for those who are concerned about disc health. Also, cartilage health.

Since they are substances we already consume and produce in very small quantities in our bodies, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates have no known significant side effects. This amazing fact stands in stark contrast to painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections, which can wreak havoc on your body.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates "jump-start" the production of these key elements of the cartilage matrix, and then protect them. They can actually help your body repair damaged or eroded cartilage. In other words, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates strengthen your body's natural repair mechanisms. They can replace what your body fails to make.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine stimulates the manufacture of collage, which is the protein portion of a fibrous substance that holds joints together. Collagen is also the main component of the shock-absorbing cushion called articular cartilage - the white smooth surface which covers the ends of body joints in the fingers, wrists, knees, etc.

Glucosamine helps bind water in the cartilage matrix. It has also been shown to help produce more collagen and also normalizes cartilage metabolism, which helps to keep the cartilage from breaking down. Glucosamine can actually "jump-start" the production of the cartilage's key elements and can also protect these same elements. Glucosamine can help the body repair eroded and damaged cartilage.

Glucosamine not only stimulates the production of cartilage but it can also improve joint function and help reduce the pain of those suffering from osteoarthritis. Double-blind studies summarized in Dr.Theodosakis' book show repeatedly the benefits to patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Symptoms such as joint tenderness, pain on standing, pain on walking, joint swelling and spontaneous pain were reduced.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfates act like "liquid magnets". It helps attract fluid into the proteoglycan molecules. This is important for two reasons; the fluid sweeps nutrients into the cartilage and the fluid acts as a spongy shock absorber.

Chondroitin can protect existing cartilage from a premature breakdown. It does this by inhibiting certain enzymes that destroy cartilage and enzymes that prevent the transport of nutrients.

Chodroitin sulfates alone have been found to be effective for osteoarthritis sufferers. Often just the glucosamine or chodroitin are used by themselves. However they can work synergisticaaly when taken together to stimulate cartilage production and to help control enzymes that destroy the