In this article, we are going to discuss the possible effects of glucosamine for gout. Can it really be beneficial for those who suffer from gout, or is it the other way around? Give this article a read and you will find out what the answer is. Worry less, because you will learn a lot from this article! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!
Glucosamine for Gout: What is this medication?
The glucosamine is actually a naturally occurring chemical compound in the body. It is mainly found in the fluid that surrounds the joints. Furthermore, it is very essential in building the cartilage. Basically, it is the connective tissue that mitigates the joints. Moreover, it is also a revised sugar that is produced by the cells of the body. This regulates the balance of the tissues in the cartilages. As we grow older, the levels of glucosamine go down. This may lead to an eventual deterioration of the joints. Furthermore, glucosamine can also be found in animal bones and in the shells of various shellfish.
In the actual fact, glucosamine is second on the most popular dietary supplements in the US. The supplements are mostly consumed by sufferers of osteoarthritis, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases. Even though gout is almost the same as rheumatic disease, a lot of those who suffer from gout believe that glucosamine is better for inflammation and joints.
Moreover, the glucosamine supplements often have any other ingredients added in it. This includes chondroitin sulfate, shark cartilage, or MSM for an additional potency. Even though some say that the combination is beneficial, there is actually no scientific proof that they really do help.
Nevertheless, the idea is that a naturally occurring glucosamine in the body is beneficial in building, maintaining, and repairing the cartilage. Thus, taking it in the form of supplements must have the same benefits.
Furthermore, there are lots of studies which tells that glucosamine supplements do really help in treating joint pain. However, there is no decisive evidence that may in building or repairing new cartilages. It also prevents the cartilage from having damage.
Glucosamine for Gout: Forms of Glucosamine
There are three forms of glucosamine:
- N-acetyl-glucosamine
- Glucosamine hydrochloride
- Glucosamine sulfate
Even though these three are similar to each other, when you use them as dietary supplements, they actually don’t have the same effects. Most research focuses only on the glucosamine sulfate, and not with the others. Moreover, the glucosamine supplements either come in shellfish from or are produced synthetically in laboratories.
Glucosamine for Gout: Is it good for the condition?
The answer is! Glucosamine is impossible to have an effect on gout. Either bad or good. As a matter of fact, there is no clinical evidence as of now that it is really beneficial for the prevention or treatment of gout. Nevertheless, if you want to try and take it, there is nothing to worry about. You are free to do so.
Glucosamine does not really contain purines as they just use the shell from purine-rich foods like lobsters, shrimps, crabs, and more. There is really no need to worry about the supplement. Glucosamine is not likely to increase the levels of uric acid or even trigger a gout flare-up. The best thing that glucosamine can do is to somewhat reduce the inflammation during the attack and prevent any further degradation of the joints that arises from a lot of years of suffering from chronic gout.
Nevertheless, if you are going to incorporate this supplement in your treatments for gout, you should consult your doctor first. After all, he knows what’s the best for you.
