What exactly is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a natural amino-sugar compound found in cartilage.
Glucosamine is derived from glucose molecules and is believed to:
- Aid in repairing damaged cartilage
- Build new cartilage
- Cushion joints
- Relieve pain
- Reduce inflammation
Usually, glucosamine is prescribed for pain AND inflammation.
Glucosamine’s not all that’s needed
When your patient walks in presenting joint problems and inflammation, is it best to offer a glucosamine isolate or a whole food that contains glucosamine and MORE?
The “more” part includes nutrition that is supportive to the tissues that are obviously affected. Feeding these tissues is a much better approach to merely trying to eradicate the pain and inflammation.
Clearly, the whole food formula is superior.
ProMin is a whole food supplement from NutriPlex Formulas.
ProMin contains cartilage for the glucosamine, but provides the building blocks of health within foods rather than as isolates. (InflaPlex is used as part of a one-two punch when there is inflammation).
Read more about ProMin here.
The Research
Scientific research shows that equally important to addressing musculoskeletal issues are vitamin D, C and K, plus amino acids, and other minerals, including sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon and more.
Vitamins, minerals and amino acids, especially the sulfur-bearing amino acids used as building blocks to form proteins and the highly touted compounds known as glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin.
Silicic acid and silicates providing approximately two to three percent elemental silicon, are used in bone and cartilage formulation.
Potassium and manganese, along with fifteen different types of bioflavonoids cause diuretic action while silicon exerts connective tissue strengthening and anti-arthritic action.
Saponins are needed too
“According to arthritis research, saponins found in the herb yucca appear to block the release of toxins from the intestines that inhibit normal formation of cartilage. A double blind but preliminary study suggested yucca might reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.”*
Lininger, Healthnotes, p. 132: Re: Bingham R, Bellow Ba, Bellow JG. Yucca plants saponin in the management of arthritis. J Applied Nutrition 1975; 27; 45-51.)