When the joint’s not jumping

“OK! What do we do?”

When I saw this, I was won over by the no-nonsense urgency of the question, sent in by an HSI member named Pat who needed information about the popular arthritis supplement glucosamine (an amino sugar), and its effect on people with type II diabetes.

I answered part of Pat’s question in an e-Alert I sent you last Tuesday (“Over the WAVE” 12/10/02), but after telling her that glucosamine can be used by diabetics (with caution, and only after consulting their doctors), I realized that she and many others might benefit from an in-depth look at other natural ways to relieve arthritis pain.

For some of you this will be familiar ground, but it will also be a perfect opportunity to pass this information along to friends or family members who may be searching for safe alternatives to prescription drugs.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. If you relieve the inflammation, you relieve the pain that comes with it. But as anyone who suffers from arthritis knows, this is not as simple as it sounds.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) like aspirin and ibuprofen are effective painkillers, but they often cause stomach upset, ulcers, liver and kidney impairment, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Prescription drugs that address arthritis pain (such as Vioxx and Celebrex) prevent the release of cyclooxygenase 2 (more commonly known as COX-2) a chemical in the body that causes inflammation. These COX-2 inhibitors, however, often cause severe side effects, including heart attack and stroke. More than 260,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 deaths each year are associated with long-term use of anti-inflammatories.

Fortunately there are natural and effective options to NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors in treating arthritis pain, with a minimum of side effects.

In an HSI Members Alert we sent out a few years ago, we first told you about Lyprinol, an anti-inflammatory compound developed from the green-lipped mussel of New Zealand. More than three decades of research has shown that the green-lipped mussel contains a specific grouping of Eicosatetraenoic Acids (ETAs), which are not found in any other known substance, and create an intense anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity. The active components of these ETAs have been concentrated in a pure and stable form called Lyprinol, available from Prevail/Enzymatic Therapy (800-783-2286).

A number of studies have shown that Lyprinol is non-toxic and essentially free of side effects. Nevertheless, all natural treatments should be given the same precautions that you would give a prescription drug. So before using Lyprinol (or any of the other treatments mentioned in this e-Alert), I would encourage you to consult your doctor.

Another arthritis therapy we’ve told you about, in both Members Alerts and e-Alerts, is Nexrutine, a botanical formulated from an Asian tree. Research has shown that Nexrutine effectively eases stiffness and pain in the muscles and joints, and relieves inflammation by inhibiting COX-2. Often, agents that suppress COX-2 expression also suppress COX-1, an enzyme that helps maintain the lining of the stomach and promotes healthy kidney function. But Nexrutine doesn’t inhibit the release of COX-1, so it doesn’t contribute to gastrointestinal diseases.

But even though Nexrutine does not appear to cause gastric upset, all COX-2 inhibitors have the potential to reduce kidney function and increase the risk of high blood pressure. So consult your physician before trying this supplement, especially if you suffer from impaired kidney function, heart disease, or hypertension. For additional details and ordering information about Nexrutine, contact Solanova (800-200-0456).

Even though we’ve seen some effective treatments developed over the past few years, some age-old arthritis treatments are still in use. You probably already knew that ginger can calm an upset stomach. But in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger extract has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for many centuries. Just like a COX-2 inhibitor, however, ginger has been known to cause gastrointestinal problems.

And this past February I sent you an e-Alert (“Grandma Knew the Secret for Relieving Arthritis Pain” 2/27/02) about research that shows how cod liver oil may reverse the actions of the enzymes that break down cartilage. In fact, studies suggest that taking cod liver oil can even prevent the development of arthritis, while reducing symptoms in those already afflicted with the disease

For many people, cod liver oil provides an inexpensive and effective way to relieve the pain of arthritis. But, like all of these treatments, it may not be right for everyone. Because cod liver oil is a natural anticoagulant, those who use blood-thinning medication like warfarin should not take it. And people like Pat who, in addition to arthritis also have diabetes, should avoid cod liver oil because it can raise blood sugar levels.

Obviously, these treatments will work for some, but not for others. The important thing to know is that, before risking the damaging side effects of NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors, there are a number of proven and natural alternatives to try first.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute