Glucosamine is found naturally in our bodies and is used as a natural agent in the battle against osteoarthritis. It has been used in Europe for the past 40 years and is considered a prescription drug in many European countries. The only reason glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are not prescription drugs here in America, is because they are natural compounds. And the FDA does not monitor natural substances. The fact that they are not prescription drugs, is probably why there is much speculation in the medical community as to whether or not glucosamine/chondrotin sulfate are effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The good news is that there are companies and many doctors that know that these ingredients do in fact regenerate lost cartilage and reduce joint pain with no known side effects. While many studies have been done and have concluded that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are effective. No major study has been done here in America, under the watchful eye of our medical community as well as our University system.

While the most important study is still not concluded, there is no doubt in the minds of millions of people world wide, that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have enabled them to improve their range of motion as well as reduce the level of pain in which they live.
When you consider the alternative to supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. You are left with only one choice, to give them a try. NSAID's can be very armful, while you are taking them, your mind is telling you that you feel great. But, your body continues to wear and tear bone on bone, leading to more trouble in the future. Not to mention the damage that it does to your gastrointestinal system. Another course of action is to have surgery, which I will forgo any discussion here and ask that you speak with your doctor on the prognosis on your individual case.

Once you decide to begin to take a supplement, you literally have thousands to choose from. Which supplement you choose is up to you and your doctor. Dr. Theo www.drtheo.com as well as the American College of Rheumatology www.rheumatology.com recommend that you take the following dose per day.

As we mentioned above these supplements are not monitored by the FDA or any State agency. You would be wise to find a supplement that is manufactured in an FDA registered facility and one that operates under the Compliance System of the State in which they are in. While the product itself may not be scrutinized by these agencies, you can find comfort in knowing that they are not being mixed in a large non sterile tank in a warehouse or in someone's garage. We recommend that you ask the company that produces the supplement you are interested in, if in fact they do produce product under such a Regulatory system. It is your body, and you deserve to know who and how the product you intend to purchase is manufactured. Every company selling these supplements online has a "contact page" on their website, they may not have a phone number, but they do have an email address.

Once you have chosen your supplement, the most important thing you can do is to, take your glucosamine and chondrotin sulfate everyday. Many of us skip days, because of one reason or another. This is a big mistake, remember that we are rebuilding what has taken years to break down. The old phrase, Rome was not built in a day, definitely applies to your cartilage.

Good Health.