Did you know that, in the U.S., arthritis is the most common cause of disability? This is one of the reasons why arthritis treatment options like MSM or Glucosamine are popular.
Glucosamine with MSM is taken in the form of supplements to tackle the most common symptoms of arthritis, pain and swelling. These two compounds are available separately too, leading to confusion about how they work for the body individually and in combination.
MSM vs Glucosamine
To understand which will work for you and to learn why the two are often combined, it helps to see each individually and understand the differences.
What is MSM (Methylsufonylmethane)?
MSM is a sulfur compound that is found in nature in both animal and plant sources. Sulfur is essential for our body. It plays a key role in the maintenance and repair of tissues, cell, hair, skin and nails. Apart from this, sulfur is also essential for good joint health. It helps the body synthesize the spongy tissue called collagen that cushions the joints.
MSM, with its 34% sulfur content, is a great way to help the body work at its peak efficiency when it is deficient in sulfur. While many plant based foods are sulfur rich, the chemical is destroyed when the food is processed. We may be running short of this essential component despite taking sulfur rich foods. In such cases, taking MSM in supplement form helps immensely.
How Does MSM Help Relieve Joint Pain?
These are the ways in which MSM helps:
- Inhibits inflammation that is seen in painful joints
- Has anti-oxidant properties that help the body recover from oxidative stress
- Improves joint function and helps reduce stiffness
- Accelerates recovery
- Subdues pain
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound found in the cartilage and fluid around joints. It is an amino sugar derived from the chitin of shellfish and is used by the body to produce a variety of other chemicals that are involved in building tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and the thick fluid that surrounds joints.
- Role in the Body: Glucosamine plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of cartilage, which is the rubbery tissue that cushions bones at the joints. As we age, the natural levels of glucosamine can decrease, leading to gradual breakdown of the joint.
- Supplement Use: Due to its role in cartilage formation and repair, glucosamine is commonly taken as a dietary supplement by people with osteoarthritis, a condition where cartilage wears down over time. It's believed to help slow or prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, the underlying cause of osteoarthritis pain.
- Forms: Glucosamine supplements are available in various forms, including glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. Among these, glucosamine sulfate is the most commonly used and researched form.
- Natural Sources: While the human body produces glucosamine naturally, it can also be obtained from certain foods. However, the primary source of glucosamine in supplements is shellfish shells. There are also synthetic versions produced in laboratories.
- Safety and Side Effects: Glucosamine is generally considered safe when taken as directed. However, it can cause side effects in some people, including digestive upset, headaches, and allergic reactions (especially in those allergic to shellfish). It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
How Does Glucosamine Help Relieve Joint Pain?
Glucosamine is a key component in the cartilage that cushions our joints and it plays an important role by:
- Helping build as well as maintain cartilage
- Helping in absorption of the fluid that surrounds joints
- Supporting long term joint health by ensuring proper cushioning and reducing bone wear and tear
- Aiding in production of glycosaminoglycans which are building blocks for collagen and bone matrix
- Maintaining the thickness of synovial fluids between joints
As we age, the glucosamine levels in your body drop. With this, the ability of the body to repair and maintain bone and joint in good condition also drops. Slowly, the bones in the joints begin to rub against each other when we move or flex the joint.
This results in pain, swelling and stiffness. Replenishing the body’s glucosamine levels with supplements is a good way to tackle this issue.
Also Read: How Do Your Joints Benefit From Exercise?
The Benefits of Glucosamine Paired with MSM for Joint Ailments
When exploring the benefits of Glucosamine and MSM for joint health, it's clear that combining them enhances their positive effects. Many health supplements include both ingredients, not just as a selling point, but because they genuinely work better together.
This isn't just a claim; it's backed by research. In a study involving 147 participants, the combination of glucosamine and MSM was compared to glucosamine alone. The findings were significant: those who took the combined supplement experienced more relief from knee pain.
However, it's worth noting the unique strengths of each ingredient. While both Glucosamine and MSM are great for joints, MSM stands out when it comes to muscle recovery. After intense workouts, MSM helps reduce muscle soreness, aids in repairing muscle tissue, and gets you back on your feet faster. So, if you're looking for joint relief and quicker muscle recovery, this combination is the way to go.
A Supplement That Combines Both
The use of glucosamine with MSM is popular for joint pain, joint swelling and stiffness and supplements that have the right combination of these are the ones that are most effective.
Physio Flex Pro is one such that has been recommended and prescribed by physiotherapists to their patients.
Physio Flex Pro comes with MSM and Glucosamine in a high-grade ingredient supplement form, with no additives that can dilute its effect. The supplement is produced in world class facilities that have FDA approval and comes backed with a 60- day money back guarantee that testifies to its effectiveness.
If you are looking for a supplement combining MSM and glucosamine for muscle recovery, joint pain, stiffness and inflammation, look no further than Physio Flex Pro.