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, “I would appreciate any of your suggestions for treating ulnar nerve pain in my elbow and forearm, which has been a very painful condition.” — Ruth T., Cincinnati, OH

A. Dear Ruth, The ulnar nerve runs from the shoulder to the hand. Midway down, it runs under a bump of bone at the inside of your elbow. This spot is commonly referred to as the “funny bone.” However, if you are dealing with ulnar nerve injuries, it is no laughing matter.

To reduce any pain and inflammation, I recommend a combination of curcumin, boswellia, DLPA and nattokinase. Each ingredient works in a slightly different manner to get you comfortable as quickly as possible. I recommend 1 to 2 capsules three times daily. Since curcumin is poorly absorbed, you need to read product labels and find one that has enhanced absorption and the clinical studies to prove it. When looking for a formula, keep in mind that standard curcumin is very poorly absorbed, so make sure the products you choose feature 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 formulas that feature a boswellia extract that has filtered out the majority of beta-boswellic acids, 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), the most active component of boswellia.

I believe you would also benefit greatly by taking a blend of nutrients including B vitamins, biotin, alpha lipoic acid, chromium, and zinc, among others. B vitamins (B1-B3, B6, B12, Folate, and Pantothenic Acid) help nerves function better. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) can boost levels of glutathione, one of the body’s natural antioxidants, which helps protect nerves from oxidative damage. Extremely effective as an antioxidant, zinc also helps to promote tissue 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 minerals to be transported directly into the cells of the body, so they can get to work right away. I recommend taking 1 capsule of this formula three times daily. You can then reduce the dosage, when desired.

One of the most common causes of ulnar nerve injury is entrapment, in which the ulnar nerve is being compressed by surrounding connective tissue (ligaments and tendons). To heal the ligaments and tendons and improve their elasticity, I prefer a multi-ingredient formula specific to these tissues. It should include the active forms of vitamins B6 and B12, along with magnesium, manganese, bromelain, zinc, vitamin C, niacinamide, and boswellia. One of the most crucial ingredients is manganese. You need at least 36 mg of manganese to have an impact, so make sure the dosing of this critical mineral is adequate. I recommend taking 1 capsule of this blend twice daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally