Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (128 page)

Use capsicum (cayenne pepper).
Cayenne has been well studied for its temporary relief of arthritis pain. Creams with capsicum are used topically to relieve pain. (These creams may burn when first applied.) In various studies, typically more than half of topical-cream users experience pain relief. These are available over the counter and by prescription.

Try DL-phenylalanine (DLPA) (RA).
DLPA is an amino acid that is used therapeutically for pain and depression. It is effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, and migraines. “D” is the naturally found form, and “L” is its synthetic mirror. The combination of DL slows down the release of the phenylalanine. It appears to inhibit the breakdown of endorphins, our body’s natural pain relievers. Take 400 to 500 mg three times daily.

Take a multivitamin with minerals.
People with arthritis are often deficient in many nutrients. Aging, poor diet, medications, malabsorption, and illness all contribute to poor nutritional status. At least 21 nutrients are essential for formation of bone and cartilage, so it’s important to find a supplement that supports
these needs. Look for a supplement that contains 500 to 1,000 mg calcium, 400 to 500 mg magnesium, 15 to 45 mg zinc, 1 to 2 mg copper, 10,000 IU vitamin A, 200 mcg selenium, 50 mg vitamin B
₆
, and 5 to 10 mg manganese in addition to other nutrients. Follow dosage on bottle to get nutrients in the appropriate amounts.

Take glucosamine and chondroitin.
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sul-fate are nutrients used therapeutically to help repair cartilage, reduce inflammation, and increase mobility. Studies have consistently shown benefits of both glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation. Green-lipped mussels are a rich source of glycosaminoglycans. Use of glucosamine sulfate has no associated side effects, although anecdotally it may raise serum cholesterol levels. It either works or it doesn’t. Give it a three-month trial. It’s important to buy a product that has been broken down into a molecular size that your body can use. It’s worth it to spend more on this product.

Take vitamin E.
Twenty-nine study participants with osteoarthritis were given 600 IU of vitamin E or a placebo daily. Out of 15 who received vitamin E, 52 percent reported improvement. Another study showed no improvement in those with osteoarthritis who were given vitamin E supplementation of 1,200 IU daily. Try 800 IU for two to three months. It is very safe and may help some people. Best is the “d-alpha” form of mixed tocopherols. Look for high levels of gamma-tocopherol.

Use copper to treat RA symptoms.
Copper is involved in collagen formation, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory processes. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers often have marginal copper levels. Traditionally, copper bracelets have been worn to help reduce arthritic symptoms. W. Ray Walker, Ph.D., tested those who had benefited from copper bracelets by having them wear copper-colored aluminum bracelets for two months. Fourteen out of 40 participants deteriorated so much they couldn’t finish the two months. More than half reported that their arthritis had worsened. Dr. Walker found that 13 mg of copper per month was dissolved by sweat, and presumably much of that was absorbed through the skin. Supplementation with copper increases levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Wear a copper bracelet or supplement with 1 to 2 mg daily in a multivitamin preparation. If you are working with a physician, you may temporarily add a supplement of copper salicylate or copper sebacate until copper levels return to normal.

Eat or take alfalfa.
Alfalfa is a tried-and-true folk remedy for arthritis. Many people attest to its benefits, but more research is needed on it. Alfalfa is an abundantly nutritious food, high in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and protein. Alfalfa may help because of its saponin content or its high nutrient and trace
mineral content. It is widely used as a nutritional supplement in animal feed. Take 14 to 24 tablets in two or three doses daily, or grind up alfalfa seeds and take 3 tablespoons of ground seeds each day. You can mix them with applesauce, cottage cheese, or oatmeal or sprinkle them on salads. Another method is to cook 1 ounce of alfalfa seeds in 3 cups of water. Do not boil them, but cook gently in a glass or enamel pan for 30 minutes and strain. Toss away the seeds and keep the tea. Dilute the tea with an equal amount of water. Add honey if you like. Use it all within 24 hours. Yet another method is to soak 1 ounce of alfalfa seeds in 3 cups of water for 12 to 24 hours. Strain and drink the liquid throughout the day.

Address hypochlorhydria and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (RA).
Low levels of hydrochloric acid (HCl) were found in 32 percent of people tested with rheumatoid arthritis. Half of these people had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Thirty-five percent of patients with normal levels of HCl had SIBO compared with none of the control group. SIBO was found most in people with active arthritic symptoms. (See
Chapter 2
for information on HCl and
Chapter 8
on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.)

Examine side effects of breast implants.
Silicone breast implants may cause rheumatoid-like symptoms in some women, although research is divided. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and silicone or saline breast implants, it would be smart to be tested for silicone antibodies or allergies on an annual basis. Many women feel remarkably better once breast implants have been removed.