Glucosamine: the joint pain remedy

One of the most popular supplements taken by people suffering from bone and joint pain is glucosamine. It aids in treating common symptoms of age-related disorders like arthritis, back pain and osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine, according to Dr Abdul Shirazi, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Ultima Trauma and Orthopaedic Centre, is a compound found naturally within the cartilage of our joints. It acts as one of the body’s shock-absorbers and joint lubricants which allow us to move around without joint, bone or muscle pains.

He says conventional medicine has not yet proven treatment to stop or slow the progression of osteoarthritis but the glucosamine nutritional supplement has over time been used as a treatment alternative for some patients suffering from joint pain.

“People with low bone density and a history of fractures can benefit from glucosamine. This is because glucosamine helps preserve articular cartilage surrounding bones, decreases pain, and increases physical function.”

He adds that the supplement, “Is used to slow or prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage which is the underlying cause of osteoarthritis pain.”

Although it does not completely improve symptoms for arthritis, glucosamine is an effective treatment for arthritis discomfort. It may not offer the desired pain relief for all osteoarthritis patients. This is because we have different body set ups.

Dr Shirazi, therefore, advises that before one uses it, they should be diagnosed by an orthopedist. “Many times people with arthritis have taken the supplement but the pain does not go away. This is because not everyone needs the same treatment. A person may benefit in the long run rather than just a one-time dosage.”

How to get glucosamine naturally
Your body is able to manufacture glucosamine on its own. There are also ways you can get glucosamine in your diet naturally. The cartilage found at the ends of meat and poultry bones are a source of glucosamine. Cook the bones with cartilage into a broth to help leach out some of the joint-promoting nutrients.

If you can find them, shells of shrimp, crab and lobster can make a flavourful broth to get some glucosamine. Additionaly, you can also grind the shells into a powder and add to soups and stews. Raw parsley, spinach, and green vegetables containing sulfur are also good.