Does Glucosamine Really Work?

20 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, often caused when the cartilage that cushions joints wears down over time.

For years, European doctors have prescribed glucosamine for osteoarthritis, and it is one of the more popular supplements in America. But does it work?

A new long-term study published in the Lancet found that those with mild-to-moderate knee arthritis who were taking 1,500 mg of purified glucosamine had less pain than those in a placebo group. X-rays also showed that the arthritis progressed slowly, if at all, in those taking glucosamine, while those in the placebo group continued to lose cartilage.

Although this study is not conclusive, it supports what other studies have shown: Glucosamine can be effective for relieving the pain and progression of osteoarthritis. And, unlike prescription and over-the-counter pain medications, these benefits come without adverse side effects.

 

Foods That Prevent Inflammation

 Rather than listing all the multitude of processed foods and snacks that should be avoided, let’s focus on the foods that reduce inflammation. Researchers recently characterized a diet that offers preventive benefits for heart disease, called the “polymeal,” which is consistent with the PaleoDiet, the traditional low-starch Mediterranean diet and the anti-inflammatory diet.

A reasonable recommendation is for 80 percent to 100 percent of our calories to come from vegetables, fruit, raw nuts, potatoes, and either lean or omega-3 protein sources including fish, lean meat, skinless chicken, wild game, grass-fed animals and omega-3 eggs. Spices such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, oregano and the other popular spices are all anti-inflammatory. The best oils/fats to use in moderation are extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil and butter.

Our focus should be on correcting the 80 percent of calories that come from sugar, refined grains, oils and obese meat. Worrying about yogurt, the occasional bran muffin, a cup of coffee, etc., has little influence compared to the tsunami of inflammation created by the 80 percent of calories derived from inflammatory foods.

Another key to reducing dietary trauma and inflammation is to eat appropriate amounts for your body. In general, overeating leads to an inflammatory response.

The 5 Best Natural Appetite Suppressants

Gymnema Sylvestre

Imagine what it would be like to be unable to taste sugar. Would you still want to eat that cookie, bowl of ice cream or candy bar? Several studies have confirmed that the herb Gymnema sylvestre, which remarkably reduces and even eliminates the taste of sugar for up to 90 minutes when taken before meals, significantly suppresses appetite. In India, doctors have been using it for centuries to treat diabetes, and Western physicians are beginning to recognize its ability to “tame the sweet tooth.”

Nuts

Fact: Not all fat leads to body fat. Many dieters avoid nuts because they’re high in fat and calories, but they’re actually good for you. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, filberts, macadamia nuts, and sunflower and pumpkin seeds may be high in calories, but their fat-to-carbohydrate ratio is so high that they’ll naturally suppress your appetite, which will lead to you eat fewer calories overall.

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