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. Dear Terry, “My 6 year old daughter has juvenile arthritis. She currently takes omega-3s, coconut oil, Vitamin D3, laser, oil oregano topically, mini tramp. She’s not in a lot of pain now, but recently she has complained of pain in her arm in the mornings, as well as being stiff. Now that she can finally swallow pills, are there any other suggestions as to what else I could do for her? Thank you.” — Lisa B., Brookfield, WI

A. Dear Lisa, I am so sorry to hear that your daughter has to struggle with this condition. I am glad to share information on using nutritional supplements, but this should not replace the oversight and advice of your daughter’s doctor. Since juvenile arthritis causes pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness of joints, and is also a complex autoimmune disease, it can be tricky to find the best supplement protocols to help address these issues. Please review any additions to her supplement regimen with her physician to make sure they are right for her.

In the case of arthritis, diet can play a crucial role. I find that people will respond much more favorably when they remove grains that contain gluten, dairy products (this does not include eggs), sugar and soft drinks of any kind from their diet. Follow this link for more information: Terry’s Traditional Diet. While I understand that this can be a daunting task, go ahead and try it for a few months and evaluate how your daughter feels – I believe it can really help make a difference.

I would also recommend supplementing with a blend of ingredients including boswellia, curcumin, Indian gooseberry and Devil’s claw. These four ingredients are very effective in reducing inflammation and pain.

Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and boswellia (Boswellia serrata) are two Indian plants that exhibit very effective anti-inflammatory properties. Standard curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so make sure the product you choose features a curcumin with excellent absorption that has been proven in published human studies. The best form I have ever found uses micronized curcumin blended with turmeric essential oils in a patented process. This curcumin has been shown in published human studies to be up to 10 times better absorbed than standard curcumin. It’s also important to find a formula that features a boswellia extract that has filtered out the majority of beta-boswellic acid, to at least 5% or less. Unlike most boswellic acids, beta-boswellic acid is actually pro-inflammatory. Removing it greatly enhances the potency of the boswellia extract. You also want a boswellia extract that includes at least 10% or more of acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA). AKBA is the most active component of boswellia and helps to reduce damaging inflammation and the pain that it creates.

The third herb, Indian Gooseberry, has strong immune enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties. Devil’s claw, the fourth and final herb, has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits for relieving arthritis. Native to South Africa, Devil’s claw has also been reported to increase hyaluronic acid in the joints, which increases lubrication and cushioning. Make sure to choose a formula that features standardized extracts. I would suggest having your daughter take 1 capsule of this blend twice daily. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks for the full benefits to take effect. Good luck!

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally