Glucosamine and chondroitin: Do something good for your joints

You may have heard some buzz about glucosamine and chondroitin and how they are beneficial to your joints.  I have been taking glucosamine and chondroitin for over three years now and have been very pleased with it.  It is especially helpful to runners and other high-impact athletes.  All that wear and tear on the joints respond exceedingly well to glucosamine and chondroitin.  Here’s a little background on this supplement duo:

• Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal cartilage within your body.
• Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint.
• Studies have shown that these supplements may have a protective effect to the cartilage surface and also help to decrease joint pain and swelling; helping to heal damage to the joints and help to prevent worsening of osteoarthritis.
• Thoroughbred racing horses that were given diets supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate had less problems with their joints.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are available in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form and are often taken in combination with each other or in combination with other dietary supplements. I am a fan of the triple strength tablets because you only need to take two a day versus the single or double strength versions of three to four tablets daily.  Osteo Bi-Flex is a brand that I use, but have also used CVS’ brand and it’s just as good.

So get back out there and hit the pavement running; the Boston Marathon is right around the corner!