Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in our body and plays a crucial role in building cartilage. It helps lubricate the joints and absorb shocks thus reducing joint discomfort and pain. It can also be extracted from shellfish such as shrimp and lobsters to form supplement.

Daily activities such as walking and exercise can degenerate joint cartilage over time, and this is typically seen as wear and tear. Furthermore with age, cartilage becomes thinner. Once there is insufficient lubrication and the cartilage gets too thin, the adjacent bones come into direct contact which results in joint pain and inflammation. Other risk factors such as strenous activities or being overweight add more stress to the joints, cartilage and bones; causing more inflammation and pain.

As such, it is important to supplement joint cartilage with glucosamine. Chondroitin is another essential that works hand in hand to ensure a healthy joint. However, glucosamine is not suitable for individuals who are allergic to shellfish as many glucosamine supplements are derived from crustaceans.