Supplement Godfather

Q. My joints kill from years of hockey as I’ve worn out the cartilage in my knees, and now it hurts like hell when I squat. What’s your opinion on glucosamine for joint pain? 

A. Glucosamine is a great ingredient with a lot of scientific backing, and it’s certainly worth using. It’s a naturally occurring chemical found in joints, and most research studies suggest that a 1,500-milligram daily dosage can help rebuild cartilage and increase the amount of fluid surrounding joints. Not only can glucosamine help rebuild cartilage, but it can also help prevent cartilage breakdown.

There are a few different types of glucosamine available, but the most heavily studied form is glucosamine sulfate. The sulfate component is important because the body needs sulfate to produce cartilage. That’s why researchers believe that glucosamine sulfate works better than other forms of glucosamine. Although glucosamine works well on its own, it can work even better when combined with some other support ingredients.

One of the newer ingredients I’ve included in my joint product, FLEX FREAK, is a specialized form of rose hip. A 2011 study conducted in Switzerland and published in the highly respected journal BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine shows that rose hip contains a newly discovered chemical called galactolipids, which can turn off the genes that produce proteins and enzymes responsible for inflammatory joint destruction.

Galactolipids can also turn on the genes that help produce joint collagen and cartilage! Another great joint ingredient is Boswellia serrata. It’s well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and analgesic properties and research suggests that taking 100 milligrams of Boswellia serrata daily can decrease joint pain and swelling and increase flexion. Boswellia works by controlling inflammatory responses and by reducing the enzymatic degradation of cartilage in joints. If your joint problems are pretty severe, then it’s probably best to stack all three of these ingredients together for the best results.

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