Chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage, which isn't produced in sufficient quantities with age. This restricts the gliding ability of the joint surfaces and the synovial membranes are painfully irritated through friction. Chondroitin stimulates the formation of new cartilage tissue, strengthens the collagen fibres and keeps cartilage-destroying enzymes under control.
Nowadays, more and more people complain about joint pain. Many people sit in front of the computer while working and don't get enough physical exercise - if at all - only during their free time.
However, exercise is of fundamental importance to the health of joints and cartilage tissue. Only through movement can important nutrients that the body needs in order to be able to repair the joints be transported to the right places.
Joints wear out over time, as well as the cartilage and synovial fluids in the joints. Pain and inflammation can be the result of this.
The body normally produces the substances it needs to rebuild the cartilage itself. If it is no longer able to do this, then these must be supplied to the body.
Chondroitin is available as a dietary supplement that is mainly used for joint pain and osteoarthritis. However, it also helps against a number of other complaints, such as phlebitis, swelling and bruising.
Normally, the human body has a number of self-protective and self-healing powers. This is also the case for joints. It produces a variety of substances that keep the joints working.
There is a special lubricant in the joints that cushions shocks and keeps the joints elastic and flexible. Chondroitin is a special sugar compound that the body normally produces itself. Chondroitin is also responsible for removing toxins from the joints.
If the body's ability to produce enough quantities of this substance on its own is impaired, joint pain, swelling or osteoarthritis can result. Chondroitin can stimulate the growth of cartilage tissue and has the ability to bind fluids in the joints, especially together with the so-called glucosamine.
In addition to this, chondroitin enables less blood clotting. Through this mechanism, it is also used to treat inflammation of the veins beneath the surface of the skin. Because the blood can flow away better when it does not clot, the substance also helps against thromboses, bruises, congestion and swelling.
Since chondroitin also occurs as a natural component of the protective layer of mucous membranes, which consist of sugar structures, it also helps against symptoms of bladder infections and urinary tract infections.
Chondroitin is mainly found in foods of animal origin. The chondroitin sulfate used in food supplements is extracted from shark cartilage, which is a by-product of the food industry.
If the joints, cartilage and synovial fluids wear out over the course of a lifetime, then this can lead to pain, swelling and inflammation. This is usually due to a lack of chondroitin and other joint vital substances.
If the body is no longer able to produce enough chondroitin to take care of the health of the joints, it makes sense to take chondroitin in combination with glucosamine or other joint vital substances as a dietary supplement. For skin application in the case of phlebitis or thrombosis, chondroitin is also offered as an ointment, gel, or cream.
According to studies, chondroitin has positive effects on all structures in the human body that are made up of collagens. It also has an effect on tendons, ligaments and bone structure.
In addition to this, it keeps the arteries stretchable and prevents wrinkles from forming. Even if the cause of the anticoagulant effect is not yet known, the effect on swellings, clots and bruises is undisputed.
There are no known side effects or interactions from taking chondroitin when used in accordance with the packaging instructions and after consulting with your general practitioner.