
It is estimated that nearly 90% of people in India are affected by knee joint problems by the age of 60-65! In this context, doctors say that this can be avoided easily with a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet.
Having joint discomfort can make it difficult to participate in everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or moving around. One can keep a check on this with a few basic physical activities, proper dietary supplements and a well-balanced diet.
Today, most of us are aware of the importance of calcium and vitamin D for stronger bones and joints. In recent times, there has been a lot of focus on three new ingredients called Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate & MSM. Let’s learn more about these 3 particular ingredients in detail:
What Is Chondroitin? (1,2)
Chondroitin, as a component of cartilage, occurs naturally in the body as a component of one's joints and is usually referred to as chondroitin. This component helps maintain cartilage structure. In the joints, cartilage acts as a cushion by being a hard, connective tissue. Natural Sources may include cow and pig tissues, sharks, fish cartilages etc.
What Is Glucosamine? (1,2)
Glucosamine is an amino sugar found in shellfish such as lobsters and shrimp. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound in the body's joint fluid. Additionally, it forms the basis of cartilage (nature's cushion). It consists of chains of proteins and carbohydrates and forms the connective framework of collagen. The cartilage found in joints can be repaired and formed by glucosamine. Supplements usually contain glucosamine derived from shellfish.
What is MSM? (5)
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulphur that occurs in fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, and animal urine. Pain, inflammation, and allergic reactions are observed to be reduced by methylsulfonylmethane. Additionally, it can help heal wounds, improve dermatological conditions, and increase exercise performance.
How Do Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM Work?(1,2,5)
There is evidence that chondroitin and glucosamine may be chondroprotective meaning that they might stop the pain and the progression of arthritis. Chondroitin, as well as glucosamine, also helps to pull water and nutrients into the cartilage, which in turn keeps it flexible and elastic.
It has been shown in studies that glucosamine and chondroitin along with MSM inhibits the breakdown of cartilage, reducing joint pain and promoting healthy joints.
In addition to this, they help to maintain cartilage structure, as glucosamine, chondroitin & MSM contains anti-inflammatory properties with the ability to help minimize cartilage degeneration and pain in the joints.
Thus, when these 3 supplements are taken together, they can perform the following tasks:
- Promote and maintain the health of your joints.
- Helps manage mild to moderate joint pain in a natural way.
- Helps ensure that joint cartilage is properly regenerated, growing, and developing.
How Much Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM Should Be Taken Daily? (3,6)
Taking too little won't produce the desired effect, and you're essentially wasting your money. If you take too much, you may experience side effects. Then what is the ideal amount?
Based on the study, one to two months of 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine and 1,200 milligrams of chondroitin are usually the initial dosage. After a response is obtained, the dose can be reduced to 1,000 mg of glucosamine and 800 mg of chondroitin per day. Osteoarthritis patients have taken 500 milligrams of MSM twice a day to 3 grams a day. The optimal dose of MSM has not been determined for any condition.
In the Tufts study, there was no indication that higher doses would be more effective, or if they could cause harm.
With HealthyHey Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM, you can get the best forms of glucosamine, chondroitin & MSM. Every substance is delivered in its purest form with an optimal dose. HealthyHey is a convenient way to take glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM because it comes in a tablet form instead of those messy powders. The dosage of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM recommended by health care professionals is just three capsules per day.
Safety and side effects (4)
Researchers have reported no serious side effects from taking glucosamine, chondroitin, or MSA for up to 3 years in large, well-designed studies.
Nevertheless, people taking medications, as well as those with diabetes or kidney damage, should consult their doctor before taking the medication.
References:
- Zhu, X., Sang, L., Wu, D., Rong, J., & Jiang, L. (2018). Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 13(1), 170. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5
- Henrotin, Y., Mobasheri, A., & Marty, M. (2012). Is there any scientific evidence for the use of glucosamine in the management of human osteoarthritis?. Arthritis research & therapy, 14(1), 201. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar3657
- Biggee BA, Blinn CM, McAlindon TE, et al. Low levels of human serum glucosamine after ingestion of glucosamine sulphate relative to capability for peripheral effectiveness. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:222-226. doi:10.1136/ard.2005.036368
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/glucosamine-and-chondroitin-for-osteoarthritis
- Butawan, M., Benjamin, R. L., & Bloomer, R. J. (2017). Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients, 9(3), 290. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9030290.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Consumer Information and Education: MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)."