Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (127 page)

Take folic acid plus vitamin B
₁₂
.
In a recent study, those with osteoarthritis in their hands were given 20 mcg vitamin B
₁₂
plus 6,400 mcg folic acid daily. They reported a significant reduction in symptoms. This is a tiny amount of vitamin B
₁₂
and a large amount of folic acid, which is nontoxic even at these high levels.

Take superoxide dismutase (SOD).
SOD plays an important role in reducing inflammation and has been used alone, with copper, manganese or copper, and zinc for various arthritic conditions. Some physicians are using SOD in injections. Oral SOD doesn’t seem to work as well, except when used in a copper-zinc preparation. Wheatgrass extracts of SOD can be purchased at health-food stores. Most people who try them experience benefits, but there is little scientific research to date. Some veterinarians are using wheatgrass SOD with arthritic animals with excellent results.

Take S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).
A recent player on the scene is SAMe, a chemical that is found naturally in every living cell. Research in 10 studies that included more than 22,000 people has shown SAMe to have powerful antide-pressant effects without the side effects of pharmaceutical antidepressant medications. SAMe has also been shown to be as potent an anti-inflammatory drug as indomethacin and other NSAIDs, with fewer negative effects. This product is expensive because it is difficult to stabilize. Use it with a good multivitamin that contains B-complex vitamins. Take 400 mg twice daily. Adjust up or down as needed.

Take methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).
DMSO is highly effective for reducing arthritis pain when used on skin. It has a distinct odor that prevents many people from using it, but MSM is odorless. MSM, a naturally occurring derivative of dimethylsulfoxide, is now being used as a supplement. MSM has been found to be an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in animal studies, probably because of its high sulfur content. It helps reduce pain and inflammation and gives the body the sulfur compounds necessary to build cartilage and collagen. It is also useful in allergies, blood sugar control, and asthma. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily. It is best when taken with 1,000 to 5,000 mg of vitamin C for absorption. Or use DMSO topically on skin.

Take bromelain.
Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapple that acts as an anti-inflammatory in much the same way that evening primrose, fish, and borage oils do. It interferes with production of arachidonic acid, shifting to prostaglandin production of the less inflammatory type. It also prevents platelet aggregation and interferes with the growth of malignant cells. It appears to be as effective as NSAID medications at reducing inflammation. Bromelain can be taken with meals as a digestive aid, but as an anti-inflammatory, it must be taken between meals. Take 500 to 1,000 mg two to three times daily between meals.

Take quercetin.
Quercetin is the most effective bioflavonoid in its anti-inflammatory effects; others include bromelain, curcumin, and rutin. Bioflavonoids help maintain collagen tissue by decreasing membrane permeability and cross-linking collagen fibers, making them stronger. Quercetin can be used to reduce pain and inflammatory responses and for control of allergies. Take 500 to 2,000 mg daily. It appears to reduce inflammatory cytokines.

Take boswellia.
Boswellia is taken over the long term as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, not specifically for immediate pain. Boswellia serrata, an Ayurvedic remedy that has been traditionally used for arthritis, pain, and inflammation, has been shown to moderate inflammatory markers such as nitric
oxide and 5-lipoxygenase. In a study, a specific preparation of boswellia called H-15 was given to 260 people and found to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty to 60 percent of the subjects had good results. Take 1,200 mg two or three times daily.

Take turmeric or curcumin.
Turmeric has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the mechanisms involved include its ability to block leukotrienes and arachidonic acid, both of which cause inflammation and pain. An effective dosage of turmeric is 10 to 60 grams daily. Curcumin, the active pain-relieving ingredient, can be taken in much smaller doses, 500 mg three times daily. For those lucky enough to live in warm areas where turmeric can be grown and used fresh, it can be juiced, grated, used in stir-fry, and eaten freely. Turmeric is also a lovely flowering garden plant.

Take devil’s claw.
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a South African root that is commonly used as an arthritis remedy. It reduces pain and inflammation. Several studies have shown it to work as well as phenylbutazone, a common NSAID medication. It is commonly used in low-potency homeopathic dilutions of 2X in Germany. This is a dilution of one part per hundred of devil’s claw in a homeopathically potentized form.

Use black cohosh.
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has long been used by European and American herbalists to reduce muscle spasm, pain, and inflammation. It can be used as either a tincture or in capsules.