|PIC1|Arthritis is difficult to treat with conventional medicine.

However, glucosamine, a glucose-based chemical produced in naturally healthy joints, is now available as a supplement from health shops and many pharmacies to help maintain and repair Cartilage.

Glucosamine has a high success rate in relieving osteoarthritis symptoms, but news of its beneficial qualities have spread around the world largely by word of mouth.


Pain Relief

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of joint disease, affects 1.5 million people in the UK and is very difficult to treat.
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Cartilage, the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones, wears away, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, 'creaking' and ultimately incapacity.

Although Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to relieve symptoms, they can have serious side effects.


How Does It Work?

According to Jason Theodosakis, a specialist in preventive medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, glucosamine stimulates production of new cartilage cells in the joints, while chondroitin breaks down old cartilage.

Within two weeks of taking the supplements, he claimed his own arthritis was so much better that he abandoned his conventional medication.

Although Rheumatologists (doctors who specialise in arthritis) were initially sceptical, the sheer volume of reports obliged them to carry out clinical trials.

The most recent studies in top medical journals suggest that Theodosakis and his followers are right.

In 2001, a Lancet published study in Belgium found that glucosamine not only relieved symtoms but actually slowed down deterioration of cartilage.
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Professional Recommendation

Many doctors now recommend glucosamine to patients with osteoarthritis, although it is not available on the NHS.

It seems to take about a month to have full effect and so far no adverse side effects have been reported. Dosages vary and nobody as yet knows the optimum daily amount, but the Belgian researchers used 1500 mg a day.

Many preparations on the market come as 500 mg capsules of glucosamine sulphate, sometimes in combination with chondroitin.

For more information please consult your local GP.