Keeping your joints healthy will help you to stay strong and achieve your weightlifting goals. Taking joint supplements can help to support healthy joints and prevent injuries in the long run. We will be looking at three supplements in particular: Glucosamine Sulphate, Chondroitin Sulphate and MSM.
Glucosamine sulfate
Glucosamine sulphate provides the joints with the necessary building blocks to repair any potential damage that may have been caused by osteoarthritis or injuries. In particular, glucosamine sulphate helps the body to manufacture a mucopolysaccharide, which is found in cartilage. Lab tests have proven that glucosamine sulphate is 98% absorbable. This is due to the fact that the molecules are small and simple. They help to build proteins that keep the cartilage strong. A separate study, carried out on 178 Chinese patients suffering from osteoarthritis, discovered that 1,500 mg per day of glucosamine for four weeks was more effective than the conventional drug ibuprofen.
Chondroitin Sulphate
Chondroitin sulphate is composed of repeating chains of molecules called mucopolysaccharides. Chondroitin sulphate is able to hold water and nutrients, allowing other molecules to move through cartilage easily. This is a particularly important component of chondroitin sulphate as there is no blood supply to cartilage. Chondroitin Sulphate acts as the flexible connecting matrix between the tough protein filaments in cartilage to provide both strength and elasticity. Certain studies that have been carried out on animals that indicate chondroitin sulphate may encourage the healing of bone. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that chondroitin sulphate may lower blood cholesterol levels. Older research has demonstrated that chondroitin sulphate may prevent artherosclerosis in animals and humans.
MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane)
MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) controlled trials, carried out on people who suffer from osteoarthritis “reported significant improvement in pain outcomes” after taking a course of MSM. MSM works in a similar way to chondroitin sulphate. It provides the materials needed by the body in order to make cartilage. MSM is a pure, non toxic element that is naturally occurring. MSM is one of the richest sources of sulphur. Indeed, sulphur is found in more than 150 types of bodily compounds. It is abundant in many different compounds including, enzymes, tissues, hormones and antioxidants.
*These supplements can aid in preventing injuries and maintain strong, healthy joints. Before consuming joint supplements, it is advisable to read the side effects carefully and consult with your doctor. It’s worth noting that some supplements, such as MSM, have no reported side effects, but should be taken according to the recommended dosage.
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