Have you ever wondered if there was a natural way to relieve the pain associated with arthritis, brought on by age, wear and tear and inadequate nutrition? Well wonder no more. Glucosamine is an effective product, available quite readily that fills the bill for not only you but man’s best friend, Rover. Some products have even been nominated for “Product of the Month” because of the widely known value as a daily dietary supplement. The most beneficial glucosamine includes these three important ingredients Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate and MSM.

With the advent of technology, the food we feed ourselves and our family with, especially here in North America, is often very deficient in the nutrients and minerals that our bodies need to grow, achieve, and maintain good health. As we age, the wear and tear of youth catches up to us and causes issues with our bones and joints and the elasticity (cartilage) that keeps them working. Doctors love to prescribe pills that are outwardly “little miracles” but have you ever read the long list of side-effects that are often disguised as “small print”... Yikes! There are alternative treatments for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine can be used to effectively treat arthritis in and around joints as it assists in rebuilding this cartilage. At the very least, it will slow down, and in some cases delay this natural degradation process.

The worthwhile glucosamine, available on the Internet these days, generally consist of three essential ingredients, these are:

- The Glucosamine itself, that acts to stimulate the synthesis of cartilage in the joints reducing degradation and helping to relieve pain and inflammation around the joints.

- The Chondroitin sulfate, which works with collagen to keep tendons, ligaments, arteries, skin and other tissues strong and resilient. &

- The MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that aid in the relief of symptoms associated with arthritic joints.

It is well known that glucosamine relieves joint pain with the correct mix of these three ingredients. As we age, it is important to ensure we maintain our mobility as this allows us to lead fuller, richer and more productive lives. Keep this in mind as you consider adding this vital dietary supplement to your fitness regime.

Do you have an aging pet that seems to fall behind you when taking walks or is seriously lethargic? Does Rover limp, have difficulty getting up when lying down for a while or show signs of discomfort or pain when petted or touched? It just may be that he has osteoarthritis. Dogs, like humans are also subject to the aches and pains of aging and like us, they can also benefit greatly from glucosamine supplements for dogs. You will usually notice the effects of glucosamine supplementation for canines within one to two weeks. For some dogs, the results are simply amazing. The glucosamine supplementation does much the same things in dogs as it does in humans and is highly beneficial in treating canine osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia.

As with all supplementation, it is always important to consult a doctor, be it a medical one or a naturopath. Incorrect supplementation can result in serious issues, especially if you are either pre-diabetic or diabetic. Some studies suggest that glucosamine is safe for diabetics while others suggest it impacts your blood sugar levels as it is an amino sugar. It is not wise to start a supplementation regimen without some sort of consultation with a health care professional so stay smart and stay healthy!

For more information on glucosamine, chondroitin, & MSM or to share your experiences, drop in for tea, crumpets and a few laughs...=)

Yours in health, of the body, mind, and soul!