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 90 year old mother had shingles three years ago, but still has pain in her right arm. I have been trying to find a natural alternative that would really work for her. Thank you so much for your time.” — Diane C., Chicago, IL

A. Dear Diane, I’m sorry to hear that your mother has to deal with ongoing chronic pain. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. While it isn’t a life-threatening condition, shingles can be very painful. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and anyone who’s had chickenpox is susceptible. Sometimes after a person has recovered from chickenpox, the virus will enter their nervous system and lie hidden for years. Eventually, it may reactivate and travel along nerve pathways to the skin — producing painful blisters. Unfortunately for some people, the pain can continue long after the blisters have gone away. This condition is known as post herpetic neuralgia, in which people experience intermittent and often severe pain in a part of the body along the path of the affected nerve.

The best combination for addressing pain is a blend of curcumin, boswellia, DLPA (dl-Phenylalanine) and nattokinase. Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and boswellia (Boswellia serrata) are two Indian plants that exhibit very effective anti-inflammatory properties. DLPA, an amino acid, works to sustain the effects of the body’s own natural pain killers, called endorphins and enkephalins, while the enzyme nattokinase increases microcirculation. 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. I would suggest taking 1 capsule three times daily.

Because the pain is due to damaged nerve fibers, I believe your mother would also benefit greatly by taking a blend of nutrients including B vitamins, biotin, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, zinc, among others. B vitamins (B1-B3, B6, B12, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid) help nerves function better, delay damage to nerves, and reduce the frequency and intensity of the pain symptoms. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can boost levels of glutathione, one of body’s natural antioxidants, which helps protect delicate nerves from oxidative damage. Current research also shows that ALA can help to reduce the pain and tingling symptoms. Extremely effective as an antioxidant, zinc helps to promote tissue and wound healing. When looking for a formula, choose one that features B vitamins in their “active” forms, as well as minerals in the form of amino acid chelates. This allows the B vitamins and the minerals to be transported directly into the cells of the body, so they can get to work right away.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally