BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2013
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
17
Ways to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis Dear Pharmacist: MSM: This is a sulfur-based compound I take ibuprofen and hydrocodone that is actually a by-product of DMSO for the pain of osteoarthri(DMSO is applied topically to tis. Glucosamine helps, but joints, but it’s intended for vet even after six months, I’m purposes. The FDA doesn’t still stiff and riddled with like humans using it, even pain. What else can I do? though many of you do.) Any— D.Y. way, MSM, an oral suppleDear D.Y.: ment, is sold at health food You’re not alone, 27 million stores and does wonders for Americans live with osjoint pain. teoarthritis (OA), and the afBromelain: This pineapfliction worsens over time. Left ple extract gets mixed reDEAR untreated, it can completely views. One study found it to PHARMACIST disable you, so it’s good that be as effective as diclofenac, a By Suzy Cohen you are doing something. prescription anti-inflammatoI like glucosamine. I prefer ry. I personally like this and “glucosamine sulfate” over other forms, frequently recommend it. because it provides sulfur to the body... Devil’s claw: Slightly more exotic, devil’s sulfur, not to be confused with sulfa, a claw is so named because of its hooked fruit. drug that many people are allergic to. A 2011 study from Phytotherapy Research OA always involves pro-inflammatory cy- concluded that the herb could block the retokines; you’ve heard me mention those be- lease of pro-inflammatory cytokines. fore. Cytokines are pain-causing chemicals. In another study, devil’s claw performed Cytokines aren’t bad until your body as well as the prescription drug Vioxx (it’s pumps them out in excess, and that’s ex- now off the market; Celebrex, which is actly what happens with OA. It’s also what safer, does remain). The point is that devil’s you need to reduce to control pain and im- claw is strong; it interacts with other mediprove range of motion. cines, so ask your doctor if it’s right for you. Ibuprofen reduces the cytokines called Boswellia: A resin from a tree. A 2013 prostaglandins and IL-1B. You want that. study from the Journal of Head and Neck Glucosamine is a precursor for gly- Pain studied the biological active ingredicosaminoglycans, and that is a component ents in boswellia (pentacyclic triterpene of joint cartilage. acids) for their potent anti-inflammatory Also consider these: and analgesic properties. Boswellic acid is
Please patronize our advertisers. They keep the Beacon free!
another major active ingredient. This is (in my mind) Mother Nature’s ibuprofen. This may sound obvious but take pressure off your joints. Extra weight does no favor to your painful knees and hip joints. You may have to start gently with yoga, or tai chi, but keep those joints moving. And, finally, consider ramping up your immunity. Some forms of arthritis are due to infections, either fungal, viral or bacterial. Compounds in green tea reduce the cytokine called TNF alpha, often high in
those with arthritic conditions. One cup of green (or matcha) tea could beat up germs and improve immunity. The L-theanine it contains is relaxing, too. Drink it daily. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.dearpharmacist.com.
Have You Fallen? Seeking Men and Women to participate in a research study at the University of Maryland & Veterans Affairs of Baltimore to better understand balance and the prevention of falls in aging individuals.
you will receive: • Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time If interested call: 410-605-7179 & Mention code: LIFT Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Line *You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine *You will attend approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours of time per visit
CALL TODAy!