Q. A year ago my doctor said my cholesterol was way too high and wanted me to take simvastatin to lower it. Instead I made some changes.
I ate oatmeal every morning and quit taking the glucosamine and chondroitin I was using for joint pain. My cholesterol improved a lot but my arthritis is acting up. Are there natural ways to relieve my sore joints and also keep my cholesterol under control?
A. Many people tell us that glucosamine and chondroitin raise their cholesterol. Research shows no benefit from these supplements for joint or back pain (BMJ, online Sept. 16, 2010 and Journal of the American Medical Association, July 7, 2010).
Natural approaches for arthritis include foods such as cherries, curry, ginger, pineapple, pomegranates, gin-soaked raisins and Certo and grape juice. To lower cholesterol, a low-carbohydrate diet may help along with foods such as almonds, apple cider vinegar, beets, cinnamon, fish and oatmeal. For more details on these natural approaches, you may find our book Recipes & Remedies From The People’s Pharmacy of value.
