Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi Terry, “I have an employee who has a herniated disc in his back. I have used many of your products with great results, and I would like for my employee to try them as well. What would you suggest for him?” Lois L., Fargo, ND A. Dear Lois, A herniated disc occurs when the outer ring of tissue around the disc tears, allowing the inside of the disc to protrude into the spinal canal. The tear can trigger a flood of inflammatory compounds to be released. Most of the time, a herniated disc heals on its own. To help reduce the inflammation and pain, I suggest a combination of bioavailable curcumin with turmeric oil, boswellia, DLPA and nattokinase. Because curcumin and boswellia work so well at reducing inflammation, you can add an additional combination of boswellia and bioavailable curcumin. However, some forms are far more effective than others. Boswellia contains key compounds called boswellic acids that play a big role in reducing inflammation. One boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (or AKBA) has been identified as particularly anti-inflammatory, so make sure any extract you select has a standardization of 10% to 15% AKBA. Also, one boswellic acid, beta boswellic acid, is actually PRO-inflammatory, so I recommend extracts in which this single acid has been removed. Last but not least, manganese is very important for wound healing. I suggest 25 mg, taken twice a day.