Gary's new website

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Does Glucosamine and Chondroitin really work?


"Hi Gary, thanks for your advice. I've been taking the joint factors 4500 now for about 5-6 weeks and have noticed a definite improvement in my knee, particularly in the reduction of pain and an increase in the freedom of movement.
I've also cut back on the touch and running and I try to keep my leg exercises at the gym simple so as not to stress the knee joint with too much of a load.
Just one question... does the JF4500 come in capsule form at all? I do a bit of travelling around and capsules would be easier to pack.
Thanks again for your help,"
Darren.
_________________________
Gary Moller comments:
I have been recommneding joint food (glucosamine and chondroitin and MSM) formulations in NZ for the best part of 15 years and the reason why is simple: Because these nutrition products work when used properly.

Of course, when a study is reported to find that these products do not work, there is much hoopla by the mainstream media and some medical authorities. I discount these most of the time as being the premature crowing of parties with vested interests in the arthritis industry.

These products do work for most cases, improving mobility and reducing joint every bit as effectively as the most powerful anti inflammatory medicine. The need for joint surgery or joint replacement is often delayed and sometimes even deemed no longer necessary. Of course, there is a time for surgery. Even then the case for glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation remains since it aids post operation recovery and ongoing care of every other joint in the body.

The general rule of thumb is to take at least the maximum recommended daily dose each day for at least three months, spreading the dose throughout the day, rather than taking a lot in fewer doses. It is also highly beneficial to work on balancing one's tissue mineral balance using the Active Elements programme (Accessed via my website www.GaryMoller.com). Exercise regimes may also need to be adjusted to reduce or eliminate risk of further damage to the joint and to strengthen the muscles.

After three months, the doses can be reduced to less than the recommended maximum if you are pain free. However; it is a good idea to keep dribbling the glucosamine and chondroitin into the body. When you know there is a period of excessive stress coming up, such as running or walking a race, section clearing or hiking a long trail, then the dose should be increased in the few days leading to the stressor and then continued for several days after.

I remain a fan of the powder forms of glucosamine and chondroitin due to their value for money and the fact the solution is dissolved before ingestion. If you are going to be traveling about there are pill versions with glucosamine and these are much easier to get through borders like US Customs than a pot of white powder! If you are traveling about, you could just not bother with the glucosamine pills. Your joints will survive without it for weeks and months, given that you have gone through the three months loading phase and the joints have settled.

Do you have a question?
Email Gary: gary at myotec.co.nz (Replace the "at" with @ and remove spaces). Please include any relevant background information to your question.

No comments: