Easing joint pain and lowering inflammation

By Mark Hyman, M.D.

Q I have arthritis. Now that the safety of anti-inflammatory drugs like Vioxx and Celebrex is in question, what can I do about my pain?

A Fighting inflammation is a critical part of any treatment for arthritis. In fact, it’s an important part of fighting many other conditions, too, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even aging. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural, safe ways to reduce inflammation in general and arthritis in particular.

Try taking any of a number of natural anti-inflammatory supplements. Glucosamine, at 500 milligrams three times a day, can ease joint pain. I also like boswellia gum extract (standardized to 70 percent boswellia acids, 400 mg twice daily) and niacinamide (750 mg, twice daily). Others include (take suggested dose, twice daily): turmeric rhizome extract (standardized to 95 percent curcuminoids, 285 mg); ginger rhizome extract (standardized to 5 percent gingerols, 200 mg); cayenne pepper fruit (50 mg); and cherry extract.

Part of any anti-inflammation diet should include eating wild fish (vitalchoice.com carries a variety), taking fish oil (1,000-mg capsules, once or twice a day), and eating as many colorful fruits and vegetables as you can. Also, drink green tea, and sprinkle ground flaxseed and anti-inflammatory spices (turmeric, ginger, rosemary, and cayenne) liberally on your food.

Take a daily blend of vitamin C (250 to 500 mg), vitamin E (200 to 400 IUs), selenium (100 to 200 micrograms), and mixed carotenoids (15,000 to 20,000 IUs). And take a multivitamin; studies show that doing so can lower inflammation overall.

It can also help to cut out the two most common food allergens (gluten and dairy) for two weeks to see if you notice an improvement in your arthritis—or any other chronic symptom, for that matter.

Finally, exercise at least half an hour a day, practice some form of deep relaxation (meditation, yoga, or deep breathing are good examples), and cut down on foods that promote inflammation, such as white flour, sugar in any form, and trans (or hydrogenated) fats.