ASK MR. VITAMIN

ONE HERB CAN HELP ARTHRITIS & HEART DISEASE!

Q. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. No way I can work out (I can barely walk) and I take a handful of pills including anti-inflammatories every day. Now they (doctors) say I may be developing heart disease. I hate to take all of these meds. Any natural remedies you can recommend?
Catherine P.

A. The bio-mechanics behind rheumatoid arthritis are very different than osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid, which is largely genetic can be progressively debilitating and tough to live with. Coupled now with heart disease...life seems to be giving you a one-two punch. However you can punch right back with the following all natural products that can help with pain control for rheumatoid arthritis.

1. OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS:: These are best derived from (cold water) fish liver oil caps. After over 13 double blind, placebo controlled studies they found that Omega 3’s may block the inflammation causing chemical reactions.
2. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid): Found in evening primrose oil, borage oil etc. Recent research coming out of Cochrane Research Collaboration found GLA to work similar to omega 3’s.
3 BOSWELLIA: An Ayurvedic (Indian) herb found to effectively block the bodies formation of inflammatory chemicals.
4. TURMERIC: Common kitchen herb contains the anti-inflammatory curcuminoids. Some studies have found this to be as effective as Vioxx (no longer sold) and Celebrex for joint pain.

For your specific situation TURMERIC may be even more important. Recent research is showing that curcumin (from turmeric) may actually be as effective as exercise in the prevention of heart disease. Check the the excerpt below:

“ The three new studies all compared the effects of exercise and curcumin on heart health and postmenopausal women over an eight-week period. All the studies were randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled. Curcumin was delivered by means of colloidal nano-particles.
Can turmeric prevent heart disease?”...
AMV



*Health Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.