Panda Picks-Seniors Work on the Net!

As we seniors age a little known change takes place in our body. The compound known as glucosamines made naturally in our body from glucose (sugar) and amino acid glutamine (protein, brain and muscle food) is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissue. However as we age, like so many other processes, we produce less and less glucosamine affecting the elasticity in our knees and producing bony additions to our fingers and toes.

We can augment our glucosamine production by taking a dietary supplement made from the skeletons of crustacean (shell fish creatures) , arthropods, or cell walls in fungi to replenish the dwindling supply of glucosamine . It is widely used for osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, cartilage–the rubbery material that cushions joints becomes still and loses its elasticity. That means we are prone to damage and suffer with pain, swelling, loss of movement and further deterioration.

USES

Glucosamine is also found in sports drinks and cosmetics. Glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin (cow cartilage) as we produce less of that too. In the US these are not approved by the the Food and Drug Administration. In Europe it is considered helpful as a medicine. Even animals use the dietary supplement for stiff and swollen joints. Because glusosamine is important to healthy skin, glusosamine plays a major role in the healing of surgical incisions and skin wounds. Some take glucosamine before and after surgery for healing of the skin resulting in less scaring. Wound dressings have been developed using a modified form of glucosamine. Studies are under way considering the effects of glucosamine for treating inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s Disease.

Although widely used by us seniors, no one has proven the effectiveness of glucosamine. You can read about some of the studies on Wikipedia. Because the studies used different forms of glucosamine there is no conclusive evidence from data gathered, participants were not consistent in providing evidence.. All I can say is I feel better having less joint pain so for me the evidence is in.

Disclaimer: When glucosamine was Googled I found 5 million 100 thousand entries. To lighten your load of reading up on the subject I read through a few of the entries. Many are medical statements which you and I don’t follow to well. I hope this summary gives you an idea of what you are putting in your mouth when you take glucosamine chondroitin sulfate. The safety and effectiveness have not been proven. Some of our conditions are potentially serious and we should always consult with a qualified health care provider. The statements made here are not medical fact and I do not claim to be a health care provider. Make yourself knowledgeable and use all dietary supplements with discretion.

Disclaimer given by Mayo Clinic—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a health-care provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Panda Picked Glucosamine as a word we hear, used as dietary supplements but most of us have no clue as to what gluicosamine is.  This is written from the view point of a layperson with no pretense of knowing all the medical jargon.  I didn’t even know I had ever produced it let alone stopped making it. Here’s to your health and well being.