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Answers to Frequently Asked Joint Supplement Questions

Q1: What are joint support supplements, and what are joint support supplements used for?

A1: Joint support supplements are nutritional supplements that aid in the health of joints and cartilage, and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, joint pain and other joint-related disorders. They can also be used to accelerate your recovery from various joint related injuries. There are three main joint support supplements (Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM), as well as many others. These may be used alone, but are commonly used in combination with one another.
 

• Glucosamine is a substance produced naturally by the body that aids in maintaining and healing joints and cartilage. Glucosamine also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing pain associated with arthritis and other joint issues.
• Chondroitin sulfate is a joint support supplement that promotes the lubrication of joints by sending them fluid. Keeping the joints properly lubricated also ensures that cartilage remains strong, flexible, and healthy.
• MSM is a joint support supplement that can be found naturally in foods like grains, cabbage, onions, asparagus, and eggs. The sulfur in MSM acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing joint and muscle pain.
• Shark cartilage is rich in calcium, chondroitin, and a glucosamine-like product called glycoaminoglycans. Shark cartilage is know for strengthening joints, as well as for helping maintain their structural integrity.
• Curcumin, which is one of the main ingredients in the spice turmeric, is an antioxidant known to have an anti-inflammatory effect on joints.
• Boswellia is an herb that has been used for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain killer, and is known specifically for providing relieve to swollen, aching joints.

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Q2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of joint support supplements?

A2: Like all supplements in Canada, joint support supplements have their pros and cons. Whether or not joint support supplements are right for you depends upon your individual circumstances.

Advantages of joint support supplements include:

• Joint support supplements like glucosamine repair cartilage and improve the overall health of the joints.
• Joint support supplements like chondroitin sulfate ensure a steady flow of fluid to the joints, keeping them lubricated.
• Joint support supplements like MSM work like anti-inflammatories, reducing joint pain and muscle soreness.

Disadvantages of joint support supplements include:

• Joint support supplements can take a month or two to show results.
• Joint support supplements can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
• Some joint support supplements may increase insulin resistance, and are therefore not ideal for those with diabetes.

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Q3: How and when should joint support supplements be taken for optimal results?

A3: Most joint supplements come in tablet or capsule form, and the recommended daily dose should be divided and taken two or three times over the course of the day. Because joint supplements vary, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for best result in relieving joint pain. In most cases you will need to take joint support supplements for at least a month or two before you start to see results.

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