Q. I have severe seafood allergies, which probably explains why I became very ill a few weeks ago when I tried taking glucosamine and chondroitin for my aching joints. (I did not know glucosamine is derived from shellfish.)
Is there anything else you can recommend for joint pain? I hate raisins, so please don’t go there.
A. Although people with shellfish allergies are often advised to avoid glucosamine, there is not good evidence of serious reactions. Nonetheless, given your experience, you will naturally want a different approach.
There are quite a few natural products that can help calm joint pain, ranging from the Indian herb boswellia to supplements like SAMe and MSM. You might also consider acupuncture or home remedies like tart cherries or grape juice with Certo. There is lots more information on easing arthritis naturally in our book, Best Choices From The Peoples Pharmacy. The book also covers the pros and cons of various pain relievers that can be used to help arthritic joints, if you decide that you don’t want to stick with strictly natural treatments.
Other readers have offered a number of alternatives. Bob K says,
“I use hyaluronic acid (HA) and it has really worked well for me as well as others with joint pain in my community. Once off of HA eventually the pain returns. HA is a natural lubricant that is normally found in younger knees. As one ages the amount of HA decreases and joint problems start to occur.”
SJL suggested this:
“I have had arthritis for several years but kept it under control for several years with MSM capsules. Last Fall It hit hard and so I tried the gin soaked raisins and the Certo/grape juice remedies.
“The gin soaked raisins stopped the pain in my knees and hands and the Certo/grape juice restored my flexibility. But, I didn’t really like drinking the grape juice every day. So, I started putting 1/2 Tablespoon Certo in my breakfast fruit smoothie. It works just fine.
“My smoothie has small amounts of no fat milk, orange juice, cranberry or tart cherry juice, frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries and 1/2 banana. To this I add a small amount of honey to sweeten and the Certo. I also add ground Chia seeds and hemp seeds, a bit of Ceylon cinnamon and cocoa powder (no alkaloids) and a vitamin supplement powder.
“I don’t know if the Certo works with the fruit or if it would work with anything. But for me this does just fine.”
