Pros And Cons Of Arthritis

52.5 million Adults in the United States are being told by their physicians that they have some form of arthritis whether it be rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010) The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. 27 million adults reportedly had being diagnosed in 2005. 294,000 children under the age of 18 have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. This means about 1 in every 250 children in the United States of America has some form arthritis. These reports by the Center for Disease Control. Osteoarthritis is a very painful condition that effects the cushioning cartilage between bones. What happens with osteoarthritis is the cushioning between the bones is

Glucosamine may decrease stiffness in your joints, allowing greater mobility and function. It also reduces swelling and pain. Even if you stop taking a glucosamine supplement its positive effect could last up to three months after you stop taking the supplement. (Annigan, J" Glucosamine Chondroitin Pros & Cons. Diet and Nutrition ")Taking Glucosamine to help reduce joint pain could slow down the progression of osteoarthritis by inhibiting the breakdown of cartilage in your joints. Chondroitin shares the same health benefits as glucosamine. Chondroitin may reduce pain and swelling in your joints. Chondroitin may slow the progression of arthritis and it could rebuild lost cartilage.Chondrotin may act as a mid-anti-inflammatory in your joints. As in any other supplement with positives come negatives. The source of glucosamine is chitin from shells of crustaceans. If you are allergic to shellfish, you could have an allergic reaction. Glucosamine share similarities to heparin, a natural blood thinning in your body (Annigan J. "Glucosamine Chondroitin Pros & Cons. Diet and Nutrition. "). Heparin can increase the effect of anticoagulant medications. Glucosamine can contain a high intake of sodium or potassium. Chondroitin is generally considered a safe dietary supplement. Just as glucosamine, chondroitin can cause blood thinning. Many chondroitin supplements originate from animal cartilage, which could pose as a problem for vegetarian athletes who may need this