The human body relies on the maintenance of a delicate balance, and if at any time that balance is disrupted the body can be thrown into instant chaos. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to identify the precise point at which the body has gone wrong. Many conditions involve an internal rather than an external dysfunction, and as such require the addition of synthesized substances engineered to emulate those which would normally be produced by the body.

Glucosamine is one of these. In the body it serves as a precursor to all nitrogen containing sugars, and is used in its artificial form to treat dysfunctions of the joints, such as osteoarthritis. The reason for this is that glucosamine is the precursor for glycosaminoglycans, which are a major component of the cartilage found in the joints. The theory is that the addition of synthesized glucosamine will allow the body to rebuild the damaged cartilage found in individuals with arthritis. While this is a common treatment and has been found to be safe, the fact that it is derived from the shell of many shellfish may serve as a red flag for those who suffer from extreme allergies to foods such as crab or lobster; however, if no other suitable treatment exists it may be considered for use with these individuals, as the allergen which commonly triggeres anaphylaxis in individuals with shellfish allergies is enerally found within th ebody of the organism rather than in the shell itself.

The main benefit of using glucosamine to treat arthritis rather than the more traditional, over the counter anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen or Advil is its lack of side effects. Using other NSAIDS for long periods of time can result in excessive damage to the stomach lining and internal bleeding. Glucosamine carries with it none of these detrimental side effects, and the fact that it is simply an addition of more of what the body already creates naturally means that when taken in the proper dosage it is more likely to be accepted than other non-organic products.

"Not all glucosamines are created equal" (The Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center). While the safety of using glucosamines has been approved their effectiveness is still being debated. There are a few things that consumers should look for when selecting a glucosamine product to use in order to assure that they choose the product which will yield the greatest results. Oral method will guarantee the fastest and most thorough absorption into the system, with liquids dissolving faster than the pill. Glucosamine creams are more than likely a waste of money, as there has been no definitive evidence that glucosamine can be absorbed through the skin.

The proper dose is essential, as doses of less than one thousand mg of glucosamine a day have not been proven to be effective. In addition, while glucosamine alone will assist in relieving some of the symptoms of arthritis the addition of "helper" ingredients will provide the greatest amount of relief. All of these items should be discussed with a physician prior to using glucosamine; as with any medication, glucosamine can provide a tremendous amount of relief for arthritis sufferers but should be carefully monitored by a physician to prevent overdose and cause an imbalance in the body's natural functions.