Most number of the elderly undergoes the so-called wear-and-tear of the joints known as osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, which causes joint pain, swelling and deformity. This condition results to a problem of breaking down the normal cartilage of the joints. Because of the increasing number of people suffering from this disease, much time has been spent on research to find natural ways to treat this.

Two of the most popular natural health supplements for cartilage repair are Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. They are major components of the joint cartilage and may help to prevent cartilage degeneration and treat osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino-sugar and a precursor for the molecule glycosaminoglycans which are a major component of the joint cartilage. It helps in the natural formation and repair of cartilage as it inhibits cartilage cell characteristics. It is found to have beneficial effects to reduce pain and prevent impairment of the joints, thus, used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is the most common dietary supplement in the USA which is non-vitamin and non-mineral. Oral glucosamine is often sold in combination with another joint health supplement, Chondroitin Sulfate, for effective relief from joint inflammation.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan with sulfate which is usually found attached to proteins. It is an important structural part of cartilage and brings a large amount of its defense to firmness. Its help to the resiliency of cartilage makes it a popular natural aid for stiff joints.

Like Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate has also become widely used as dietary supplement to ease joint stress. The oral consumption of the combination of these two may enhance the structure of new cartilage by providing more of the essential building blocks of joints and gives significant protective effects.

Natural Joint Supplements

Together, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate are found to be helpful natural joint supplements. Glucosamine is usually obtained from the shells of lobsters, shrimps and crabs. People allergic to shellfish should ask their doctor before taking this supplement. Chondroitin Sulfate, on the other hand, is usually taken from shark or beef cartilage, or could also be manufactured synthetically.

Although there are still more room for research to entirely prove the healing significance of these two supplements, more and more people are testifying that they experienced reduced pain on their joints when they took Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. An increasing number of patients with osteoarthritis are turning to these alternative natural supplements rather than take chemically-made anti-inflammatory medications.

Please view here the resources for Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate.