If you like to throw around those heavy weights, chances are your joints are getting the brunt of it. In time, bodybuilding and particularly power-lifting, has a tendency to wear down the cartilage in your joints. The stress that’s constantly being applied to your joints is unnatural. In their later years, many bodybuilders and powerlifters will start experiencing joint pains.
Eventually this wearing down process can even get you to the point where you have a bone on bone situation – and that’s no fun. Fortunately there are a few highly effective supplements, that can not only defend your joints, but actually help re build the cartilage in them.
I’m talking about glucosamine chondroitin supplements. Glucosamine is combination of glucose and glutamine, that helps repair cartilage and tissue and chondroitin sulfate is a structural component of cartilage. Together these two substances can have powerful positive effects on your joint health. Having the cushion you need in your joints can not only make them feel healthier, but it can help make you a more effective athlete.
Glucosamine isn’t just for bodybuilders. Anybody who engages in regular physical activity can benefit from glucosamine supplements. Any activity that puts repeated stress or pounding on the joints, such as running or tennis, will cause joint cartilage to wear down. Daily glucosmaine supplementation can help keep your joints feeling loose and well oiled while engaging in these activities.
If you’re experiencing joint pains, don’t wait until it’s too late, go get yourself some glucosamine chondroitin. Even if you’re not experiencing joint pains, it’s a good idea to take a glucosamine supplement as a preventative measure. I personally use glucosamine as a preventative message and my joints have been healthy since I’ve started lifting weights. I have, however, heard others who train complain about joint pains frequently.
Glucosamine supplements are relatively inexpensive but very effective. If you had to limit yourself to only a few supplements I would definitely put this one on the list, especially if you’re into bodybuilding or powerlifting. Don’t underestimate the importance of taking care of your joints.
Written by John from supplementhelper.com
hi, that is a very useful information. Can we take other supplements like whey and pre workouts or creatine while taking these glucosamine supplements ? Is there any interactions between these supplements ?
Glucosamine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) such as vitamin K antagonists (warfarin, Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
Glucosamine may affect insulin and blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Glucosamine may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver’s “cytochrome P450” enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood, and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Glucosamine may also interact with acetaminophen; agents applied to the skin; agents eliminated by the kidneys; agents for the stomach or intestines; agents that increase sun sensitivity; agents that may increase urine flow; alcohol; anticancer agents; antidepressants; anti-hemorrhage agents; caffeine; chitosan; doxorubicin; etoposide; nicotine; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); pain relievers; rosiglitazone; teniposide; thiazolidinediones.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Glucosamine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.
Glucosamine may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver’s “cytochrome P450” enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.
Glucosamine may affect insulin and blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
Glucosamine may also interact with anticancer herbs and supplements; antidepressants; anti-hemorrhage herbs and supplements; antioxidants; avocado or soybean oils or extracts; bromelain; celadrin; Chinese skullcap; chondroitin sulfate; fish oil; ginger; green-lipped mussel extract; herbs and supplements applied to the skin; herbs and supplements eliminated by the kidneys; herbs and supplements for the stomach or intestines; herbs and supplements that increase sun sensitivity; herbs and supplements that may increase urine flow; Lindera aggregata; manganese; pain relievers; potassium; vitamin C.
Source http://www.mayoclinic.org