debbie in seattle
Senior Member
- Location
- Seattle
Thinking on starting it for all my creaks, moans and groans. Anyone have any positive results taking it or anything like it?
Glucosamine, anyone use it?
- Thread starter debbie in seattle
- Start date
Don M.
SF VIP
- Location
- central Missouri
I've taken Glucosamine/MSM for the past couple of years...since the doctor said I had some hip arthritis. It seems to help...and is a far better alternative than hip surgery, etc....IMO. I pop a pill after breakfast, along with a daily multivitamin, and that combination is keeping me going fairly well...so far.
I have Natural Factors Glucosamine Sulfate 500mg caps and Natural Factors MSM 1,000mg caps. I've been taking one of each daily for years now, along with my other supplements, although lately I've been lazy and only getting them in a few days a week.
I use other brands too if they're on sale, I just don't buy the cheap off-brands, usually buy from Natural Grocers and I always get capsules, easier to dissolve in your system. Still have some creaks and groans if I'm up and down squatting on the floor, etc., but I'm in my 60s and don't have any real joint problems or arthritis going on yet.
I take most supplements as a preventative, and so far it's been working, on no prescription drugs for anything. The MSM is a great anti-inflammatory, when I used to get some back pain from inflammation due to strained muscles, it really made a noticeable difference. So many ailments are the result of various inflammations.
I use other brands too if they're on sale, I just don't buy the cheap off-brands, usually buy from Natural Grocers and I always get capsules, easier to dissolve in your system. Still have some creaks and groans if I'm up and down squatting on the floor, etc., but I'm in my 60s and don't have any real joint problems or arthritis going on yet.
I take most supplements as a preventative, and so far it's been working, on no prescription drugs for anything. The MSM is a great anti-inflammatory, when I used to get some back pain from inflammation due to strained muscles, it really made a noticeable difference. So many ailments are the result of various inflammations.
Butterfly
SF VIP
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
I take glucosamine and chondroitin and MSM. It does seem to help, especially with my wrists.
My dog also takes it, too, on recommendation from the vet. It seems to help her as well, though she also takes a veterinary rx for her joint pain.
On balance, it is surely worth a try. Some people have very good results, some not so much. Just be sure you are taking enough to make a difference -- check the recommendations on the label or online. This is one supplement where not taking enough doesn't help at all, but the correct amount may help a lot. Fish oil is also supposed to help, and certainly worth a try.
People doctors are also recommending it.
My dog also takes it, too, on recommendation from the vet. It seems to help her as well, though she also takes a veterinary rx for her joint pain.
On balance, it is surely worth a try. Some people have very good results, some not so much. Just be sure you are taking enough to make a difference -- check the recommendations on the label or online. This is one supplement where not taking enough doesn't help at all, but the correct amount may help a lot. Fish oil is also supposed to help, and certainly worth a try.
People doctors are also recommending it.
debbie in seattle
Senior Member
- Location
- Seattle
Thanks everyone. Ran to Costco, brought it home and realized it doesn't have the Chondroitin in it. Think I need to find the Chondroitin and add it?
fureverywhere
beloved friend who will always be with us in spiri
- Location
- Northern NJ, USA
I'm not positive but I might suggest returning the Costco one and going to a pharmacy. I think the Glucosimine, Chondroitin, and MSM is usually part of one formula...better to get that instead perhaps. I haven't tried it myself, but Callie has bad knees and I feel it's really made a difference.
Raven
Senior Member
- Location
- eastern Canada
I have been taking Glucosamine with Chondroitin for about four years.
It helps my hip and knee pain.
Pain in my hip and knee was keeping me awake at night until I started taking it,
now I am almost pain free so it's well worth trying.
It helps my hip and knee pain.
Pain in my hip and knee was keeping me awake at night until I started taking it,
now I am almost pain free so it's well worth trying.
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
I don't think there's enough evidence yet and my doctor agrees. There are also risks. Here are some notes I've saved with links to the entire articles.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is hyped as a treatment for arthritis pain as well as for a long list of other ailments - everything from constipation to snoring - but there have been no human studies to prove or disprove any of the claims.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA43373
Do You Need Glucosamine?
It is possible that incorporating daily glucosamine supplements may rectify and replace falling levels in the body and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms, although studies have yielded contradictory results.
Some studies have shown glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate taken together may increase effectiveness in relieving arthritis pain, but more research is needed to establish a clear therapeutic effect. Most studies have shown that glucosamine needs to be taken for 2 - 4 months before its full benefits are realized, although many experience some improvement sooner. Glucosamine can be used safely in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03241/Glucosamine.html\
MSM is a chemical found in plants, animals, and humans. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it as a medicine.
You may have heard about MSM because of the book The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain. There isn't much published scientific research to support its use.
Contrary to some MSM promotional literature, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for MSM or sulfur, which it contains. Sulfur deficienty has not been described in the medical literature.
How does it work?
MSM might supply sulfur to make other chemicals in the body.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-suppl...ylsulfonylmethane.aspx?activeingredientid=522
Why do people take glucosamine sulfate?
The supplement seems to reduce pain as much as ibuprofen. But it doesn't work as fast. It can take four to eight weeks for glucosamine sulfate to ease pain.
Glucosamine may affect blood sugar and insulin levels. However, studies are mixed. Talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you have diabetes or insulin resistance.\further increase LDL "bad" cholesterol levels if you eat a lot of fatty foods. More research is needed.
Talk to your doctor before using this supplement if you are allergic to shellfish.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/glucosamine-sulfate-uses-and-risks?page=2
Why do people take chondroitin?
As an osteoarthritis treatment, chondroitin is often used along with another supplement, glucosamine.
The evidence that chondroitin helps with osteoarthritis is mixed. A number of studies seemed to show that it is effective. Researchers found that chondroitin appeared to reduce pain, increase joint mobility, and decrease the need for painkillers.
Several found that chondroitin supplements had only a small benefit, if any.
People who have shellfish allergies, asthma, or prostate cancer should not take chondroitin supplements without talking to a doctor first. Since chondroitin might work as a blood thinner, there is a theoretical risk of bleeding, especially in people with bleeding disorders.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-chondroitin
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is hyped as a treatment for arthritis pain as well as for a long list of other ailments - everything from constipation to snoring - but there have been no human studies to prove or disprove any of the claims.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA43373
Do You Need Glucosamine?
It is possible that incorporating daily glucosamine supplements may rectify and replace falling levels in the body and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms, although studies have yielded contradictory results.
Some studies have shown glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate taken together may increase effectiveness in relieving arthritis pain, but more research is needed to establish a clear therapeutic effect. Most studies have shown that glucosamine needs to be taken for 2 - 4 months before its full benefits are realized, although many experience some improvement sooner. Glucosamine can be used safely in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03241/Glucosamine.html\
MSM is a chemical found in plants, animals, and humans. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it as a medicine.
You may have heard about MSM because of the book The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain. There isn't much published scientific research to support its use.
Contrary to some MSM promotional literature, there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for MSM or sulfur, which it contains. Sulfur deficienty has not been described in the medical literature.
How does it work?
MSM might supply sulfur to make other chemicals in the body.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-suppl...ylsulfonylmethane.aspx?activeingredientid=522
Why do people take glucosamine sulfate?
The supplement seems to reduce pain as much as ibuprofen. But it doesn't work as fast. It can take four to eight weeks for glucosamine sulfate to ease pain.
Glucosamine may affect blood sugar and insulin levels. However, studies are mixed. Talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you have diabetes or insulin resistance.\further increase LDL "bad" cholesterol levels if you eat a lot of fatty foods. More research is needed.
Talk to your doctor before using this supplement if you are allergic to shellfish.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/glucosamine-sulfate-uses-and-risks?page=2
Why do people take chondroitin?
As an osteoarthritis treatment, chondroitin is often used along with another supplement, glucosamine.
The evidence that chondroitin helps with osteoarthritis is mixed. A number of studies seemed to show that it is effective. Researchers found that chondroitin appeared to reduce pain, increase joint mobility, and decrease the need for painkillers.
Several found that chondroitin supplements had only a small benefit, if any.
People who have shellfish allergies, asthma, or prostate cancer should not take chondroitin supplements without talking to a doctor first. Since chondroitin might work as a blood thinner, there is a theoretical risk of bleeding, especially in people with bleeding disorders.
http://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-chondroitin
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
Since diabetes, high cholesterol, certain allergies and who knows what else can make these supplements dangerous, please discuss with your doctors first.
Bobw235
Senior Member
- Location
- Massachusetts
Costco has typically sold two different formulas. They should have one with Chondroitin and MSM, but may not be right next to the Glucosamine alone. I've taken it in the past, but not lately. I didn't find a big benefit in using it, so stopped.
Butterfly
SF VIP
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
I think it helps some people, and others not so much. I think it's worth a try -- my doctor said there's no real risk to trying it (MUCH less so than the pharmaceuticals prescribed for OA pain and stiffness). It's not instant, so you have to give it a while to see if it helps you -- like a couple of months.