What You Need To Know Before You Buy Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a very beneficial in the treatment of arthritis and is backed by numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In these studies, glucosamine has been shown to aid in the rehabilitation of damaged cartilage and reduce the progression of osteoarthritis, and significantly lessen pain from arthritis. However, one glucosamine product can be very different from another.

When your pain relief and health is at stake, you need to know how to choose between competing products and see through the marketing hype. There are five factors that you need to take into consideration before purchasing any glucosamine product. These are:

• Amount of glucosamine per daily dose
• Quality of Ingredients
• Delivery System
• Synergistic Ingredients
• Price Per Day

The method of delivery can make the difference between no pain relief and complete pain relief. Most products on store shelves today are in capsule and pill form. However, the latest research has shown that glucosamine in liquid form is much more effective. Glucosamine provided in liquid form is absorbed more quickly, much more fully, and provides greater and longer lasting relief.

Simply put, the higher quality of glucosamine you use, the greater your relief will be. Many companies use medium grade glucosamine so you must be careful to look for the highest quality available. You need to look for pharmaceutical quality, if you want the fastest and fullest relief and healing.

As far as dosage, if taking glucosamine in capsule form, you will need at least 1500mg per day. However, if taking glucosamine in liquid form, because of the very high absorption rate, you will not need a full 1500mg. 1000-1250mg per day of high quality glucosamine in liquid form is optimal.

It is important to compare price per day and not price per product, as many companies try to fool you by providing 60 capsules or 32 oz. and not telling you until after you purchased that you must use 6 capsules or 2 oz. per day. Be careful to always compare price per day.

Also crucial to the effectiveness of the product is the other ingredients that are included in the product. Glucosamine alone, for most people, is not a cure all. There is simply no cure for osteoarthritis. To receive truly complete relief, you need to look for products that combine a number of arthritis fighting ingredients. You should look for a product that besides glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL, also contains arthritis-fighting ingredients such as chondroitin, boswellin, bromelain, omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids (fish oils), yucca, manganese, and vitamins A, C, and E.

As a review, when buying glucosamine, look for a product that:

1. is a liquid
2. uses pharmaceutical quality liquid glucosamine
3. has a number of other synergistic ingredients besides glucosamine

After a review of the leading glucosamine products on the market today, our current recommendation is Syn-flex, a 98% pure liquid glucosamine formula that contains both glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL, chondroitin and ten other synergistic ingredients.

Ingredients

In alleviating arthritis pain, there are twelve key compounds that you should be taking for maximum relief. These are glucosamine, chondroitin, boswellin, bromelain, omega 3 & 6, yucca, manganese ascorbate, and vitamins A, C, and E.

When used together, studies (and in my personal experience) have shown tremendous results are possible in easing arthritis pain. Unlike dangerous Cox-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs, the below ingredients have no side effects, are natural and safe. Below is a description of the role of each of my twelve recommended ingredients.

For proper usage instructions click here.

• Glucosamine is a natural sugar produced by the body and found in certain foods. It plays an important role in the production, maintenance, and repair of cartilage. It stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, two essential building blocks of cartilage.
• Chondroitin sulfate reduces inflammation and assists the glucosamine in protecting against future cartilage degeneration.
• Shark cartilage is a source of chondroitin sulfate. It drives the glucosamine and provides maximum absorption. Also, in many trials it has reduced the possibility of developing cancer. Bovine Trachea can also be used as a source of chondroitin. However, there is a risk of BSE with this. (Mad Cow Disease).
• Bromelain cleans away the "debris" in the joints and restores proper fluid balance. In addition, it helps to inhibit inflammatory compounds plus reduces pain and swelling.
• Boswellin has been used for centuries in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine to maintain healthy joints. Boswellic acids improve blood supply to the joints and maintain the integrity of blood vessels. At least one study has indicated that they may open up collateral blood circulation to provide adequate blood supply to the joints. Boswellin has been known to reduce joint swelling, maintain blood supply to inflamed joints, and mobility as well as reduce pain due to stiffness in the joints.
• Ascorbate (Manganese and ascorbic acid) assists your body with processing the glucosamine. This is a very important ingredient and one that is missing in nearly every glucosamine product on the market today.
• Yucca has a long history in easing stiff joints by blocking compounds that prevent normal formation of cartilage. The root is rich in saponins that elevate your body's ability to produce cortisone naturally.
• The Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docasahexaenoic acid): are constituents of fish oils that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Usually, these products are sold separately in health food stores as salmon or fish oil. Syn-Flex brings both of these to you in one formula.
• Vitamin A (Beta carotene) is essential for growth and repair of body tissues and it aids in bone formation.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) produces a mobilization of your body's self-defense mechanisms, which assists your immune system to overcome disease.
• And finally, Vitamin E (Tocopheral) is an antioxidant, which acts to protect red blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation damage. It also assists your body in maintaining healthy membrane tissue.
• In addition, Vitamin A, C, and E all promote general health and protect against the harmful effect of free radicals.

Important: Syn-flex should be stored at a temperature of 59ºC - 86ºC. Syn-flex should not be taken if you are allergic to shellfish. For Sensitive stomachs Recommend 1/2 dosage in the morning and 1/2 in the evening. Should be taken with food.

Usage Instructions for Liquid Glucosamine Formula Syn-flex

Recommended daily dosage for humans is 1/4 of an ounce per day of Syn-flex®. You may wish to double the dose to 1/2 oz. the first ten days for maximum effectiveness. If you are over 230 pounds you may find that staying with a 1/2 oz. daily dosage works more effectively.

1/4 oz. is equivalent to 1.5 teaspoons (or one half of a tablespoon). To measure this accurately, Syn-flex® includes a "measuring reservoir." To use this, simply open the reservoir cap and squeeze until the level of liquid reaches the desired amount. There is a 1/4 oz. and 1/2 oz. marker on the bottle. Once it reaches this level, you can either pour onto a spoon, mix it with your favorite drink, Syn-flex® has a pleasant green apple flavor.

When you first begin to take Syn-flex®, you may wish to keep a journal of how you feel each day. The great majority of users experience noticeable relief within ten to fifteen days. In severe cases, it may take up to a month of daily usage to ease the pain and slow the progression of your osteoarthritis.

Weight of Pet (lbs.)	Recommended Daily Dosage (Double first ten days)	Bottle will last (days)
0-10	1/32oz.(approx. .2 teaspoons)	256
10-40	1/16oz. (approx. .4 teaspoons)	128
40-100	1/8oz. (.75 teaspoons)	64
100 and up	1/4oz. (1.5 teaspoons)	32

A single bottle of Syn Flex will last between one and eight months based on your pet's weight. Give your pet the gift of a healthier, more vibrant, pain-free life, and receive a Free Syn Flex bandana for your dog!

 

Side Effects, Interactions, Contraindications

In comparison to the dangerous side effects of NSAIDS and Cox-2 Inhibitors, there are very few side effects to using Syn-flex®.
· While unlikely, those who are allergic to shellfish may experience a reaction to Syn-flex®. In most cases, allergies are caused by proteins in shellfish, not chitin (a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted.) Therefore, it should be safe for someone with an allergy to shellfish or iodine to take glucosamine. However, if you notice any reaction, you should consult your physician and you may choose to discontinue taking Syn-flex®.

· If you are pregnant or lactating you should consult your physician before beginning to take glucosamine.

· We recommend that individuals with diabetes check their blood glucose levels frequently when initiating glucosamine into their regimen.

· High dosages of Syn-flex® may cause minor gastric problems, nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion in a small percentage of users. If this occurs, split the dosage between morning and evening, take following a meal, or reduce dosage.

Other than these, there are no side effects or contraindications to using Syn-flex®. While osteoarthritis drug treatments like Vioxx and Celebrex have a number of serious and potentially fatal side effects, Syn-flex® is a very safe product. As well, those drugs do not assist in rebuilding damaged cartilage. (They are designed to ease pain). Glucosamine found in Syn-flex® not only slows the progression of your arthritis and eases your pain, it also is able to aid in rehabilitating deteriorated cartilage and reduce inflammation.

Frequently asked questions:

Q. Are there any side effects?

A. Syn Flex is a very safe product - a few things you should be aware of:

• Do not take glucosamine if you are currently pregnant or nursing.
• If you are diabetic, be sure to check your blood glucose regularly, as glucosamine has been shown to increase blood sugars in animal trials.
• If allergic to shellfish you should monitor your reaction and consult your doctor if any adverse effects occur.
• A small percentage of people who take glucosamine may encounter light diarrhea or stomach upset. This can be avoided by splitting dosage between morning and evening.

Q. Does Syn-flex interact with any drugs or medications?

A. Syn-flex is an all-natural product and does not interact with any drugs or medications

Q. Is Syn-flex sold in stores?

A. Syn-flex is not available in any large retail stores at this time. We prefer to deal directly with our customers, and being a primary distributor we can offer you a more personal service.

Q. How can I buy Syn-flex?

A. We accept credit cards using Pay Pal. We accept check or money order. Order by email portia80@shaw.ca

Q. Is Syn-flex approved by the FDA?

A. Glucosamine products are nutritional supplements and are not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Q. Will I need to take this product daily for the rest of my life to keep my hip joint in repair or will I be able to reduce the dosage or even stop taking it at some point?

A. For those with severe osteoarthritis, it is indeed advisable to maintain a daily dose of 1/4 oz. (1.5 teaspoons) per day. Those over 220 pounds or so may wish to maintain a higher dosage than this. For athletes, those using Syn-flex as a preventative measure, or those with mild arthritis, we recommend using 1/4 oz. for the first 8 weeks, and then dropping the dosage in half. Of course, if any pains return or cartilage continues to deteriorate, increase your dosage. We recommend you or your pet take a double dose for the first 7-10 days

Q. If you are allergic to shellfish - Can you take Syn-flex?

A. New research has shown that glucosamine is very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in someone allergic to shellfish. In most cases, allergies are caused by proteins in shellfish, not chitin, a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted. Furthermore, there is no crossover between the acid derived chitin from shells and the antigens that cause shellfish allergies since the acid process required to leach the chitin from the shell strips away the carbohydrate side chains that would be antigenic. If you are concerned consult with your doctor before taking.

Q. What does it taste like?

A. Syn-flex has a green apple flavor. You can mix it with your favourite drink or pour on your cereal.

Q. Is it true that Syn-flex will end osteoarthritis pain in dogs and cats?

A. Glucosamine was proven to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis in horses before the effects on humans were known.
Syn-Flex offers a high pharmaceutical grade quality glucosamine formula, combined with eleven other anti-inflammatory ingredients. Your dog or cat’s pain caused by arthritis or degenerative joint disease, can be greatly reduced.

Q. Do pets like the taste of Syn-flex?

A. The large majority of pets like the flavor and administration is easy - just pour on the food. In a small percentage of cases, you may need to put the Syn-flex on a treat, mix it in with their food, or administer orally.

Q. What's the difference between Syn-flex and Syn-flex for pets?

A The only difference is the dosage amount, which is based on your pet's weight.

Q. I am an athlete. Can Syn-flex benefit me?

A. Absolutely. Many athletes take Syn-Flex. World class tri-athletes, weight lifters and those who play golf or tennis once a week. Glucosamine has proven to be beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage deterioration.

Q. Are doctors or vets recommending Syn-flex.

A. There are many doctors and vets recommending glucosamine. The majority are now recommending a liquid form and these are hearing great results from their patients who use Syn Flex.

Q. I see that Syn-flex contains both Glucosamine sulfate and Glucosamine HCL. Why is Glucosamine HCL added to your product?

A. The medical studies released in January of 2001 confirmed that glucosamine sulfate is clinically proven to assist those who suffer from arthritis. However, that is only part of the picture. Another medical study conducted several years ago compared two ingredients. That study found the HCL form of glucosamine created even more cartilage components and may have a higher bioavailability. We have combined both ingredients to ensure you benefit from both. Syn-flex offers of 1250mg of glucosamine per daily 1/4oz. dose.

Q. What do you recommend for dosage?

A. We have set up a page to explain this.

Q. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Can Syn-flex help me?

Syn-Flex has been proven to be beneficial with a number of users with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Glucosamine has been shown to be more beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis than rheumatoid arthritis. Natural ingredients in Syn-Flex such as yucca, omega 3 and 6, bromelain and boswellin are all anti-inflammatory ingredients that are safe and natural.

Q. Where does the Shark Cartilage in Syn-Flex come from?

A. The Shark Cartilage used for the Syn-flex formula is from U.S. caught sharks which are regulated and closely monitored and against finning and other illegal "sharking" methods. All parts of the Shark is used and the raw cartilage is processed to remove any harmful heavy metals and impurities. It is then sent in bulk to our manufacturing facility where it is used in the Syn-flex formula.

Q. What if there is NO cartilage left in a joint

A. When there is no cartilage left, Syn-flex will regenerate as much cartilage as is possible. However, when a bone on bone situation has occurred it is very challenging. Syn-flex will be your best shot at saving any cartilage that may be remaining and ending your pain. Additionally, if your cartilage in one joint has disappeared, you should be taking liquid glucosamine to ensure this does not spread further to other joints throughout your body.
If you are currently on NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors, suggest not taking these as you are putting yourself at risk for many severe side effects. Furthermore, there is recent research suggesting taking these will actually hasten the deterioration of your cartilage.

Q. I have noticed that pills and capsules usually contain both glucosamine and chondroitin. Does Syn-flex have chondroitin in it?

A. Yes. The shark cartilage is comprised of approximately 20% chondroitin sulfate.

Q. Why did you use Shark Cartilage to derive the Chondroitin Sulfate in Syn-flex?

A. The two most common compounds that are used for Chondroitin are Bovine (Cow) Trachea and Shark Cartilage. We chose to use shark cartilage over Bovine due to the risk of BSE (Mad Cow Disease).

Q. I know that most joint products contain glucosamine. What are some of these other ingredients all about?

A. All of the ingredients contained in Syn-flex are there because they assist in building healthy joints. Without going into a lot of detail about them, boswellin, yucca, and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids each contribute to joint health and fight inflammation. Manganese and ascorbic acid are added to aid your body's ability to produce and absorb glucosamine.

Q. Are there any special instructions other than what is on the label? Also, why are there slight changes in the color of the product?

A. You should not refrigerate Syn-flex. It has a shelf life of two years so you can certainly store it at a room temperature for that long. That slight change in color happens sometimes. It is simply something that happens naturally as a result of exposure to light.

Q. I live outside Canada, how do I place an order

A. contact www.synflexamerica.com .

Have a question that is not answered here? You can ask us via email