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Email a friendDoes Arthritis Remedy Affect Cholesterol?
Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A April 22, 2008
Q. After dieting and exercising hard for the last year I managed to get my cholesterol down from over 260 to below 220. Then sore joints led me to take glucosamine and chondroitin. Now my cholesterol is up over 240. I think there is a connection.
My doctor recommended Certo and grape juice to lower my cholesterol and possibly ease my arthritis pain. How much do I need and is there anything else natural I could try to control my cholesterol and triglycerides?
A. Research has not confirmed that glucosamine and chondroitin raise cholesterol, but other readers have reported a similar problem. You may be interested to note that grape juice has been shown to lower cholesterol. Soluble fiber in the form of liquid plant pectin (Certo) may have a similar benefit. Many readers tell us the combination also helps ease arthritis pain.
One recipe involves putting 2 tsp. of Certo in 3 oz. of grape juice and drinking it three times daily. We are sending you our Guides to Home Remedies and Heart Health with other arthritis recipes and natural ways to control cholesterol.
Fish oil can be helpful for lowering triglycerides as well as easing joint pain, while psyllium can also reduce cholesterol levels.
Tags: cholesterol, chondroitin, glucosamine
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
to the person with cholesterol and triglyceride problems,also good for high blood pressure and diabetes is onions and garlic every day,what a difference it can make,just eat a couple of green onions or any kind for that matter and any kind of garlic about 5 cloves a day and you will feel so much better and begin to have normal readings,hope this helps
Posted by: dsg | April 27, 2008 11:18 PM
I have elevated cholesterol but cannot take statins due to severe cramps and muscle pains. I have also developed mild rheumatoid arthritis. As I could not take the Plaquinal ordered either due to side effects, the doctor suggested glucosamine and chondroitin. My pre-GC cholesterol was 240. After only 4 months on GC the cholesterol shot up to 305. Only then did I discover that one of the side effects of GC is raised cholesterol levels!
Posted by: PHP | May 2, 2008 11:20 AM