Introduction:
Glucosamine is a compound naturally found within the cartilage of our joints, made from chains of sugars and proteins bound together. It acts as one of the body’s natural shock-absorbents and joint lubricants, allowing us to move around without (or at least with less) joint, bone and muscle pains.
Glucosamine possesses natural anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. One of the most popular supplements taken by people with bone and joint pain, glucosamine aids in treating common symptoms of age-related disorders like arthritis and osteoarthritis. (1) It can also help improve digestion and gut health, mobility, range of motion and general joint health, even in healthy people who have no chronic joint or bowel disorders.
Without glucosamine, everyday movements and tasks would be very difficult and painful. The body needs glucosamine for the synthesis of certain proteins and lipids (fats) that form various important tissues, especially cartilage. This plays an important part in the construction of our joints, tendons and ligaments. In addition, it helps form the fluids that surround joints and provide lubrication. (This is called synovial fluid). Glucosamine also serves an important role in microbiome health. It helps form connective tissue that make up parts of the digestive tract, a system that helps the immune system function.
4 Benefits of Glucosamine
1. Helps Improve Joint Health & Osteoarthritis
2. Improves Digestion & Eases Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
3. Can Help Relieve TMJ Symptoms
4. Helps Alleviate Bone Pain
Today, glucosamine can be found in several supplemental forms:
- glucosamine sulfate (many researchers believe that glucosamine sulfate is the most beneficial type due to how it’s easily absorbed and how glucosamine positively interacts with sulfate)
- glucosamine hydrochloride
- N-acetylglucosamine
