Glucosamine is a combination of sugar and amine. It’s found normally in cartilage and plays an important role in cartilage health and resiliency. As you naturally age, you lose some Glucosamine and that leads to eventual thinning of cartilage around joints. Osteoarthritis defined as deterioration of cartilage in joints. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are found naturally in your body. Chondroitin Sulfate helps draw water into cartilage (that Glucosamine is repairing) making it more elastic.

Glucosamine is derived from shells of crabs and shrimp. Most studies show that taking approximately 500mg three times a day for a total of 1500mg is effective in improving joint health. Those who have damaged their joints to point of little to no cartilage, or who have had cartilage surgically removed, probably won’t experience any benefits simply because it’s impossible to repair cartilage that no longer exists. Most oral Glucosamine is easily absorbed because molecules are very small, easily diffused and water-soluble.

After viewing brief research above, I began taking oral doses of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, 1500mg a day, 3 capsules. My first choice was AST’s ProFlex 750 Joint Support formula. I ended up going to Costco and getting Kirkland’s Glucosamine Sulfate product as well. Just so I could have a supply at home. Different products but basically, Glucosamine and some Chondroitin.

Within first few days, my elbow tendonitis symptoms started to disappear. I’ve been taking this product for about 2 weeks now, and my workouts are back to their regular intensity. Taking a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement has all but cured my elbow tendonitis. From research I could gather, it’s important to take these products when you still have a lot of cartilage to repair. It’s pretty ineffective to take it when damage is too severe or cartilage is absent. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance in body with a primary function of stimulating growth and repair of cartilage tissues.

3.Phaseolomine is derived from white kidney bean. It works by reducing your body's absorbtion of starchy carbohydrates. Since you absorb fewer calories, you lose weight. Seems like this supplement would be great to take if you knew you were going to indulge. Research has also shown that you burn more fat while taking phaseolomine. Subjects in one study lost 10% of their body fat in 30 days. Phaseolomine is typically found in carb blocker products.

4.5HTP works by increasing level of Serotonin in brain resulting in more stable emotions, better sleep and weight loss. I take 5HTP myself and have found it to be an excellent appetite suppresant as well as a mild mood booster. In one study where women were given either a placebo or 5HTP and a 1200 calorie diet, those who took placebo lost 2.28 pounds and those who took 5HTP lost 10.34 pounds. This was accomplished in 6 weeks. Are there other supplements that work? There may be others that will stand test of time and research, but for now these are best non-prescription supplements I've found to enhance your weight loss efforts. Good luck losing weight you want to lose!

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