By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
Glucosamine is a well-known supplement amongst those who have joint issues such as osteoarthritis. Even medical doctors have been known to recommend it to their arthritic patients. Despite its popularity as a joint supplement, clinical and experimental evidence shows limited benefit to using just glucosamine on its own. Even before supplement companies began combining glucosamine with MSM and anti-oxidants, our father was suggesting it to his customers and finding that the combination provided better relief than each ingredient on its own. Recovery® is the best example of this synergistic philosophy.
Individual formulae have been designed for humans (Recovery®), horses (Recovery® EQ), and small animals such as dogs and cats (Recovery® SA). Recovery® contains glucosamine hydrochloride, MSM, a patented bioflavenoid anti-oxidant called Nutricol® made from green tea, red grapes, and berries, vitamins C & E, l-lysine, magnesium, hyaluronic acid, Betaine HCl and TMG. (Note that the exact combination varies between the formulations.) Together, these ingredients promote connective tissue repair, joint lubrication, anti-inflammation, and tissue oxygenation. The human version comes in capsules or powder. Recovery® SA comes in a powder or liver-flavored chewable tablets. Recovery® EQ comes in a powder to be mixed with feed.
Through promoting connective tissue health, it can benefit all musculo-skeletal problems including arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, back pains, and sports injuries, skin diseases, wrinkles, hair, nails, allergies, asthma, blood vessels, and immunity.
Other than the rare occasion of loose stool and flatulence, side effects are almost unknown. One way to mitigate these potential side effects is to start with a lower dose and increase the dose every few days to the target dose. If gas or loose stools are encountered, just maintain the dose until the gastro-intestinal system is accustomed to the supplement.
For even better results, Recovery® can be used in conjunction with homeopathic medicine (e.g. Rhus tox, Homeoartril, etc.). Recovery® is the raw material for the healing process, while homeopathic medicines hasten the process like a catalyst. By comparison, herbal medicines and orthodox medicines are for controlling pain and inflammation but do not build connective tissues or lubricate joints. Many people will choose something from this latter category to manage any pain or discomfort while waiting for a product like Recovery® to take effect. Come talk to one of our knowledgeable pharmacists to see what product or combination of products is appropriate for you.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
***All information posted and shared by Cloverdale Pharmasave is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
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