There are many sources of supplements available for joint pain. But you should also know that there’s drug and supplement interactions. If you are on medication, possible effects could occur with any new supplement you take.
According to Dr. Mike Cutler of TrueHealth.com, “for those who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a commonly used drug is Methotrexate, which can lower the levels of folic acid in the body. If a person is already suffering from low folic acid, methotrexate is potentially more toxic in conjunction with a diet rich in vegetables and fish.”
Nutritional Joint Pain Relief for Arthritis
For those who are having joint pain due to arthritis, I’m going to share with you the email that I’ve gotten from Dr. Cutler.
Dr. Cutler recommends the following Nutritional Supplementation (also with herbal remedies) for Inflammation and Arthritis. Dr. Cutler’s newsletters and recommendations are for informational purposes only and any changes to your regimen should be discussed with your doctor. Dr. Cutler is not at liberty to give “treatments” via internet counsel. . . In his newsletter he says:
I still recommend that you take an omega-3 oil supplement. Cod liver, halibut, other fish oils and flaxseed oil (EPA – omega-3) contain the necessary weapons against rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.
- I recommend 1,000 mg of fish or flaxseed oil twice a day. Research from the British Journal of Nutrition (March 2001) showed that supplementation with fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) can markedly reduce interleukin-1 beta production and significantly reduces morning stiffness and number of painful joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The reduction only occurred when omega-3 was given in much higher amounts than omega-6 oils.
- Vitamin C builds connective tissue and fights infections, bacteria and virus attacks. The ability of vitamin C to enhance the autoimmune system is its strongest case for being a good overall arthritis weapon. It also improves gout by causing uric acid excretion to increase. I recommend 2,000 mg a day in times of acute illness or stress. But it is the natural sources of vitamin C that contain the whole vitamin complex and are the most preferred.Augment your diet with folic acid, especially for gout. At doses of 25-75 mg/day, especially in combination with higher doses of vitamin C, folic acid is proven to lower serum uric acid levels to improve symptoms of gouty arthritis flares. Dietary sources include green, leafy vegetables and liver.
- Sulfur is an essential compound for the development of bones, repair of cartilage and connective tissue. You should eat sulfur-specific foods like eggs, garlic, onions and asparagus, and you can also supplement your diet with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This product reduces the inflammation around joints while simultaneously repairing joints and tissues. Take up to 400 mg twice daily.
- Bromelain is good for arthritis. You’ve seen me recommend this for allergies in another issue, but Bromelain is also great for arthritis. It is an enzyme extracted from pineapples which helps to stimulate the production of prostaglandins. The result is reduction of inflammation. Take up to 400 mg a day.
Joint Pain Relief (Arthritis) – Helpful Herbal Remedies
Below you can find the following herbs that Dr. Cutler says can be helpful for joint pain – arthritis.
The following herbs are all known to help in arthritis: lemon myrtle leaf, wild rosella calyx, aniseed myrtle leaf, mountain pepper leaf, devil’s claw root extract, yucca leaf extract, white willow bark, feverfew flower extract, celery seed extract, boswellia extract, bovine cartilage (has condroitin and glucosamine), bromelain and papain extract are herbs used in natural formulas that really work well for most patients.
Alfalfa and Capsicum are herbs which have a good record of helping arthritis sufferers:
- Alfalfa provides essential minerals for bone development, and can be eaten as raw plant or in 500 mg capsule form. People have consumed up to 5 grams of the herb and achieved relief. I recommend you slowly work up to that level.
- Capsicum is also commonly known as red pepper, cayenne pepper, and chili pepper.
The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum annum is rich in the phytochemical capsaicin, which is the active phytochemical constituent responsible for the pungent and irritating effects of cayenne pepper.
Applied externally in the form of ointments and creams, this herb provides pain relief for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Make sure you always wash your hands thoroughly after application so that no eyes or mucous membranes become irritated. Most people apply cream 4 to 5 times a day.
Inflammation can be treated effectively using safe, natural supplements. The key is understanding which nutrients to use and in what quantities for your body. If you’ll follow these simple guidelines, you should be able to regain a higher level of activity with less discomfort and stress than before!
Natural Health Reference Feature
Related Joint Pain Relief topic(s):
Source: This article is an taken from Dr. Mike Cutler’s Newsletter, Feb. 17, 2008
| These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information you find herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Seek the advice of a competent health care professional for your specific health concerns. |