glucosamine
i take 3 375mg capsules a day of a 'glucosamine with chondroitin' supplement.
my orthopaedist insisted i start taking glucosamine when i told him about my bad knees. (i'm sure you remember how i complain about my knees.) i've been taking this supplement for a few months, and i have only noticed the slightest of improvements... but slight is better than nothing.
from "prescription for nutritional healing:"
this is one of a number of substances classified as an amino sugar. unlike other forms of sugar in the body, amino sugars are components of carbohydrates that are incorporated into the structure of body tissues, rather than being used as a source of energy. glucosamine is thus involved in the formation of the nails, tendons, skin, eyes, bones, ligaments, and heart valves. it also plays a role in the mucous secretions of the digestive, respirator, and urinary tracts.
and this is about all The Book says about glucosamine. but this is an interesting page with more information. i see now that i'm possibly not taking enough glucosamine... this and other websites recommend upwards of 1500mg a day, and currently i'm only getting 1325.
look, i'm learning something!
I've thought about starting to take glucosamine, since my left knee bugs me from time to time too. But I always forget, or it stops hurting, or something.
Posted by: pinky at September 15, 2004 09:06 AMOne of my dogs went on glucosamine before I did--the vet said it should help his hip dysplasia. I also started giving him fish oil because I had read that it's supoposed to help protect against arthritis, which dysplastic dogs usually develop early. Then I realized that I probably need these supplements as well, because I have some joint problems, too. So now we have vitamin/supplement time together in the mornings.
Posted by: Lisa B at September 16, 2004 10:26 AM