Millions around the world are increasingly investing their trust in chondroitin supplements to treat osteoarthritis-related joint pain. Looking at their efficacy, chondroitin supplementation is increasingly being prescribed by general practitioners and rheumatologists. 

Here’s everything that you need to know about how to gain the benefits of this powerful supplement.

What Are Chondroitin Supplements?

Chondroitin is a chemical found naturally in the human body as a part of the cartilage, which is a connective tissue that cushions your joints. This compound belongs to the family of glycosaminoglycans and exists along with glucosamine, another compound that is considered to be the building block of the cartilage. 

Chondroitin (see also 'Chondroitin Uses and Side Effects') and glucosamine have no easily available food sources. Traces of these compounds can be found in the chitin of shellfish or shark or bovine cartilage, which are difficult to procure. Even if they are procured, they are inedible and contain only traces of chondroitin and glucosamine, insufficient for pain relief. 

The most useful way to relieve yourself of joint pain is to supplement these compounds in your body. This is done through supplements of glucosamine chondroitin for arthritis.

These supplements are made by carefully processing these compounds from their natural sources and have proven benefits for relieving joint-related problems. Since science says that the ability of the body to produce glucosamine and chondroitin naturally gets impaired with age, taking these supplements becomes even more essential, especially in older people.

Why Should You Invest in Chondroitin Supplements?

What is chondroitin good for and how does chondroitin work are some of the most common questions among people. Here are some science-backed benefits of this supplement:

- Helps Lose Weight

Carrying excess weight is one of the major contributing factors to joint pain. Being overweight puts extra pressure and stress on your weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips causing pain and stiffness. Excessive body weight is also associated with chronic inflammation that speeds up the progression of osteoarthritis. 

In some U.S. National Library of Medicine trials, it has been found that glucosamine chondroitin supplements led to beneficial changes in body mass & composition and overall markers of health. Greater benefits were observed when this supplementation was coupled with regular exercise and lifestyle changes. 

- Reduces Joint Pain

Due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, the cartilage deteriorates and wears down over time. This makes it to lose its elasticity, causing the bone joints to rub against each other and tendons and ligaments to stretch, eventually leading to joint pain. 

According to a Harvard Health Publishing report, chondroitin and glucosamine supplements have helped arthritis patients reduce their pain by almost 20 percent. 

Also Read- What Are the Benefits of Chondroitin Glucosamine MSM?

Who Should Not Take Chondroitin Supplements?

Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements are largely safe for most people. Still, there are certain groups of people who shouldn’t take these supplements without consulting their physician. These include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Those above 60 years of age.
• Anyone suffering from asthma, prostate cancer, hypertension, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, or glaucoma.
• Those who have shellfish allergies.
• People who take blood-thinning medicines. 

Are There Any Side Effects of Chondroitin Supplements?

Supplements of chondroitin for joint pain have rarely reported side effects. Even then, it’s good to know about certain adverse effects that may arise in some people including:

• Mild side effects like gastrointestinal symptoms in the form of gas, bloat, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
• Nausea
• Puffiness on the eyelids
• Headaches

In rare cases, people may report some serious side effects such as abnormal heartbeat or swelling in the legs. If anyone experiences these, they must stop taking these supplements immediately and consult their doctor. 

How to Select the Best Chondroitin Supplement?

Now that we know the uses of chondroitin , it is essential to know how to gain its benefits.

You can expect to gain relief from the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis only when the supplements are chosen carefully. Here is how you can choose from the numerous options available:

• The dosage of chondroitin and glucosamine must be adequate depending on your specific needs.
• The ingredients must be A-grade and have proven benefits for joint pain. 
• Look for an FDA approval to ensure the supplement’s safety for consumption.

Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements have proven their worth in helping millions of people live pain-free lives. If you also want to live a more wholesome life, all you need to do is choose a supplement from a credible seller and see it transform your joint health.