“Why shoot a mouse with an elephant gun?” I recently questioned a patient suffering from osteoarthritis (the wear-and-tear type). This week, before using strong drugs that may cause major complications, ask your doctor about these natural ways to treat arthritis.

1. Vitamin C

I believe this vitamin is the most overlooked remedy for the treatment of aging joints. It’s an indisputable fact that Vitamin C is needed to produce healthy collagen, a vital component of cartilage. Unhealthy cartilage means bones eventually grind against one another causing pain. Researchers at Boston University Medical Center studied the Vitamin C intake of 640 people. They discovered that those with a higher intake of Vitamin C were protected against the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Remember, animals produce Vitamin C and humans do not. Linus Pauling, two-time Nobel prize winner, believed that, due to this fact, humans receive enough C in food to prevent dying of scurvy, but not enough to prevent arthritis and coronary attack (see www.docgiff.com) for more information on Vitamin C).

2. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate

These supplements have been used for years in Europe to prevent and treat arthritis. Glucosamine gives cartilage its structure. Chondroitin works with glucosamine to attract and hold water, providing cartilage its cushioning effect. Several reports show that patients taking 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin daily with meals had less pain and increased mobility compared to those treated with a placebo.

3. Diet

A sound diet is powerful therapy for any condition and arthritis is no exception. Studies show that a mostly vegetarian diet has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on joints thereby reducing joint pain. Patients with arthritis should concentrate on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits.

Omega-3 fatty acids are high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and are present in fish oils. They help to ease arthritis pain by decreasing the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. Or you can take two 360 mg capsules of EPA twice a day with meals.

4. MyoMed Cream and the new MyoMed Patch

Last year I mentioned that a new natural non-toxic cream called MyoMed was available to ease the pain of arthritis and other painful joint conditions. Since that time many readers have told me how much this medication has improved their quality of life. It’s helped them to return to sporting activities or simply made life less painful. In my case, it helped to ease shoulder pain from trap shooting. Today, there are over 300 over-the-counter topical painkillers in North America. Ninty percent of them contain methyl salicylate. But excessive use of this substance can result in serious health problems. MyoMed does not contain this substance. Rather, it’s the combination of six natural, toxin-free anti-inflammatory herbs that eases joint pain.

Now, a MyoMed Patch is available that provides 24 hour relief of pain. The active ingredient, Paractin, is an extract of an Asian plant, which inhibits the inflammatory response that causes pain. Unlike some patches that only work at the site of the pain, Paractin, by entering the blood, also eases pain in other locations and does not cause stomach problems. MyoMed and the Paractin patch are available in over 700 health food stores.

5. Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT)

Many medical practitioners (i.e. physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists, etc.) are using this treatment to ease arthritis and other painful joint conditions. LILT releases endorphins, the body’s own painkiller, increases cortisol, the precursor of cortisone, and stimulates new blood vessel formation. It’s a non-invasive treatment without complications. To find a clinic close to you, call 416-251-1055.

To my knowledge, natural approaches to arthritis treatment have not killed anyone. But in North America, every year 25,000 people die from gastrointestinal bleeding due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen). Pound for pound, natural remedies are much safer than prescription drugs and it seems logical to try these first.

How to lose weight is a frequent question. See the web site www.docgiff.com. Look for nutrition and the article ‘A Unique Way To Lose Weight’. For comments info@docgiff.com