Glucosamine is found in healthy cartilage.It is possible to harvest it from the cartilage of animals.Glucosamine supplements are popular because of their ability to decrease pain and loss of function.If you want to take glucosamine supplements, you should discuss the matter with your doctor first, and make sure you don't exceed recommended dosages.
Step 1: If you're a candidate, ask your doctor.
Glucosamine can be used to reduce pain caused by a number of different conditions.Before you start taking supplements, you should talk to your doctor to make sure they are beneficial for you.Since my diagnosis of osteoarthritis, I've been reading a lot about Glucosamine supplements as a possible treatment.Can you tell me about the risks and benefits of taking Glucosamine supplements for me?There aren't many studies on the effects of Glucosamine supplements on many conditions.Your doctor may decide that the benefit to you isn't worth the risk of trying them.Unless you have been diagnosed with a specific condition, there may be little benefit to taking glucosamine.If you want to take glucosamine to treat your back pain, you should have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.Before you try supplements, your doctor should rule out other causes for your back pain.You should talk to your doctor about the potential benefit.It's not worth the cost of the supplements if there is only a modest improvement in symptoms in patients taking them.
Step 2: There are conditions that could get worse with Glucosamine.
Glucosamine supplements can cause problems if you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes.If you have diabetes, you should avoid Glucosamine.It can affect your blood-sugar levels.If you are allergic to shellfish, you shouldn't take these supplements.If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you shouldn't take glucosamine supplements for children under 18.Drugs you're already taking to treat certain conditions can be interfered with by Glucosamine supplements.Discuss this with your doctor, even those you only take on an as-needed basis, in light of all the medications you currently take."If I take glucosamine supplements, will it cause more bleeding than I'm currently experiencing?"I've heard that Glucosamine can increase bleeding in people who are taking warfarin.
Step 3: Determine if you are at a heightened risk for other conditions.
Glucosamine supplements can increase your risk of certain medical conditions.Ask your doctor about any conditions you may be susceptible to if you take Glucosamine supplements.If you are at an increased risk for heart disease, your doctor may advise against long-term use of glucosamine.The supplements can cause heart palpitations.Glucosamine supplements may increase the risk of cataracts if you have dry eyes.Your doctor may not be aware of your eye health.Let your regular doctor know if you have been told that you are at risk for cataracts.You could say "My eye doctor told me I was at risk for cataracts, and I've heard taking glucosamine supplements can increase that risk."Should I still try the supplements to treat my osteoarthritis or should I talk to my eye doctor?If you have a bleeding disorder or are currently taking a drug that increases your risk of bleeding, you should tell your doctor about the glucosamine supplements.
Step 4: Make sure to research the manufacturers thoroughly.
Nutrition supplements are not regulated by the government in the U.S.It's important to evaluate the brand of supplements you're taking.Major brands that have strong reputations in the industry include pharmaceutical companies that manufacture prescription drugs.Information and articles about the manufacturer can be found from reliable sources.You can use the internet to find any complaints, recalls, or other customer satisfaction incidents.If you are allergic to shellfish but still want to try glucosamine supplements, look for specific manufacturers such as Weider Nutrition Group which contain lower levels of shrimp allergens and may be safe for consumption.
Step 5: Ask your doctor or pharmacist to give you a recommendation.
If there is no regulation of supplements, you need someone with education and experience to help you choose the right one.If your doctor knows of a particular brand that has been used by many patients like you, they can recommend that brand based on experience and tell you more about the benefits you're likely to achieve, as well as your potential side effects.It is likely that your doctor will recommend a brand-name product that is more expensive than other supplements that are available.They are not trying to make you spend more money, they are suggesting a brand that is more trusted by healthcare professionals.
Step 6: For your specific condition, choose the correct type of Glucosamine.
Glucosamine can be found alone, as glucosamine sulfate.Discuss it with your doctor.Glucosamine sulfate is recommended to treat high cholesterol.Health care professionals advise against using certain types of Glucosamine.The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons does not recommend against the use of glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride for knee osteoarthritis.If you decide to take glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride for knee osteoarthritis, it is recommended that you only take it for a maximum of 12 weeks.
Step 7: There is a third-party verified product.
You are more likely to notice benefits if you have higher quality.The FDA doesn't regulate for content, purity, labeling, or claims so if you and your doctor choose a supplement that has been verified by a third party, you're best off.If you notice an improvement in your pain or joint function after taking the supplements for a month or two, you may want to switch to a different brand.If you decide that Glucosamine isn't doing anything for you, then stop taking the supplements.If you're allergic to shellfish or have other medical conditions, you should always switch brands.Before you move to a cheaper manufacturer, you may want to consult your doctor.
Step 8: The label tells you to take your supplements with food.
Stomach and nausea are the most common side effects of oral supplements.Taking your supplements with food can reduce or eliminate these side effects.If you take the supplement three times a day, you can easily take it after eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner.If you only take glucosamine supplements once a day, it's best to take them in the middle of the day if your doctor recommends otherwise.
Step 9: Follow the accepted daily dosages.
Even though supplements aren't regulated, there is general agreement about the amount of Glucosamine that is appropriate for an adult.If you weigh less than 100 pounds, you should take no more than 1,000 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate daily.If you weigh more than 100 pounds, you can take up to 1,500 milligrams.If you weigh more than 200 pounds, you should consult with your doctor.It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether you should take the entire dose once a day or space it out over the course of the day.Depending on what you are taking, the total dosage may be different.For example, 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate is roughly equivalent to 1,200 grams of Glucosamine.
Step 10: The recommended daily dose should be adjusted.
Depending on your doctor's recommendation, some dosage other than what is listed on the bottle can be used.If you're being treated for general osteoarthritis, your doctor may tell you to take between 1,000 and 2,000 milligrams of glucosamine daily for up to 18 months.For knee osteoarthritis, a divided daily dosage is between 300 and 500 milligrams three times a day.If you took supplements by mouth, you would get a much higher dose than if you were injected.
Step 11: Caution should be used when taking over a long period of time.
If you take them for longer than six months, they may cause problems.You may need to take glucosamine supplements for at least a month before you realize the full benefit of the substance.If you don't see any improvement in your condition after four to six weeks, you may want to stop taking your supplements.It depends on the condition for which you are taking the supplements.Unless directed to do so by your doctor, you shouldn't take supplements for more than six months.The six-month rule only applies toOsteoarthritis.For general osteoarthritis, your doctor may recommend taking oral Glucosamine supplements for up to 18 months.
Step 12: Glucosamine supplements are likely to affect conditions.
If you have a medical condition such as asthma, high blood pressure, or a bleeding disorder, it is advisable to see your doctor if there are any changes.If you are taking Glucosamine supplements, you should check your blood pressure daily.Glucosamine supplements can cause a wide range of gastrointestinal problems.You should see your doctor if you have any of the following problems: indigestion, gas, nausea, or upset stomach.