Glucosamine-side-effects-msm
Currently available treatments don't change the progression of osteoarthritis. Because these supplements stimulate the production of new cartilage, it is thought that they may be able to help the body repair damaged cartilage. A study conducted in 2001 from Belgium showed that glucosamine appears to slow the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee and relieves symptoms such as pain and loss of function in a majority of patients. The supplements, which are available in pharmacies and health food stores without a prescription, are well tolerated and appear to be safe. However, there are no long-term studies to confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness. It is important to check with your doctor before starting any new treatments. Your doctor can review the other medications you are taking and help you decide whether or not these supplements are right for you. In addition, always follow the instructions on the medication label. Do not take more of the supplements than is recommended. There are many different brands of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are usually sold together in one supplement. Unfortunately, there is no government monitoring to ensure the purity of these products. In order to assure that you get a consistent dose of the supplements, get the product from a reputable manufacturer; choose products sold by large and well-established companies. If you don't recognize a brand name, ask about the company's reputation, how long it has been in business and how long the store has stocked the brand. People with diabetes should use caution when taking glucosamine because it can raise blood sugar. People taking blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) should consult their doctors before taking glucosamine and chondroitin. These supplements may also have a blood-thinning effect so people taking these supplements in addition to an anticoagulant may have to have their blood tested more often. People who are allergic to shellfish also should consult their doctors before using glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine is extracted from a substance in shellfish. The effects of these supplements on a growing child or developing baby are not yet known. For that reason, glucosamine and chondroitin are not recommended for children, women who are pregnant and women who could become pregnant. Glucosamine is considered relatively safe when taken in recommended dosages. However, some glucosamine side effects can occur. These supplements are generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin include: • Nausea While MSM is found in many foods -- including meat, fish, certain fruit, vegetables and grains -- it is destroyed when foods are processed. Dietary supplements of MSM have become increasingly popular in recent years and many people feel they have had some pain relief since taking MSM. Although some studies have reported improvement in pain with MSM, very few rigorous scientific studies has been done to support its use for arthritis. DMSO, a similar substance to MSM can induce strong body odors but this does not happen with MSM due to its different chemical form. Some people have developed allergies to sulfa drugs, but remember, MSM is essentially a form of dietary sulfur, and not a drug. If you know you are allergic to sulfa drugs, you should note MSM comes in organic sulfur form and to be on the safe side, be cautious... and possibly even avoid MSM. Normal, healthy individuals consume sulfur everyday with no problems so it is unlikely that MSM will cause any issues. Moreover, as with many supplements that have not been studied, the long-term benefits and safety of the chemical are unknown. MSM is considered very safe, and side effects are very rare. Side effects that have been reported include: • Diarrhea
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