There are a number of people who are concerned about
NSAIDs since the popular drugs valdecoxib and rofecoxib were pulled by
the FDA. Since then, the FDA has also increased its warnings regarding
NSAID usage for long term chronic conditions. The FDA warns that the
long term use of NSAIDs may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack
and for gastrointestinal bleeding. With those warnings, many with
arthritis are now looking for alternative for arthritis.
There
are two things to keep in mind when looking at other lines of defense
against the inflammation associated with arthritis. First, any time
that you add anything to your regiment, including natural supplements
or herbal remedies, be sure to check with your doctor first. It is the
safest as they will know whether or not there would be any concern for
interaction with any other medication you are currently taking. The
second thing to remember is that alternative or natural remedies can
take up to eight weeks to see a marked improvement.
This is a
small list of natural remedies that are being researched and have been
found useful in some cases by various research foundations including
the Program of Integrative Medicine out of Arizona and the Natropauth
Research Institute.
1. Phenylanine. This is basically an amino
acid that when absorbed helps promote two neurotransmitters. Dopamine
and norepinephrine. It is known that both of these increase the level
of endorphins in the the brain which relieves pain. For the maximum
benefit it is recommended to take 1,000 mg of DL- Phenylalanine twice a
day on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to any meal.
2.
Methysolfonyl methane (MSM). This is a non toxic sulfur compound that
has shown benefits in anti inflammatory properties on the body.
Although not fully researched, it is seen to show benefits when taken
at 8,000 mg divided over three times a day and is considered completely
safe with no side effects seen.
3. Magnesium. Magnesium is
critical for carrying out nerve and muscle impulses. It releases energy
into the cells. Most people with arthritis are deficient in magnesium.
It is recommended to try 300 600 mg of magnesium along with 1,200 to
2,400 mg of malic acid.
4. Glucosamine. Derived from cartilage
this is shown to ease pain in joints. In the New England Journal of
Medicine which did a landmark study of Glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate the combination showed relief to nearly 350 of the 1,600
patients that suffered mild to severe arthritic pain. It is recommended
to take 1,500 mg of gluosamine with 1,200 mg of chondrotin divided into
three times a day.
5. Capsaicin cremes. Capsaicin is derived from
hot peppers and can be used in a creme form as an effective
alternative. Used externally it depletes Substance P over time which is
elevate in anyone who suffers chronic pain.
6. SAM-e
(S-adenosylmethionine). This is compound that is naturally in our
tissues. It has shown in one study in California to reduce pain as well
as the well known drug celecoxib. They studies 400 mg twice a day and
then after two weeks decreasing to 200 mg twice a day. Caution though
this drug does has some side effects, so be sure to discuss with your
doctor before trying this remedy.
There are a multitude of other
products on the market that claim to do many things. The most important
recommendation that can be made, is whether the product is herbal,
topical, alternative or over the counter remedies, is to discuss all
options with your health care team before hand.
