Arthritis, joint pain and inflammation and rheumatism have plagued human beings since prehistoric times. Possibly as a result, there are more home remedies for arthritis than you could count easily. This is fortunate, for not every remedy works for each person with pain. We frequently write about some of our (and your) favorite remedies, such as purple pectin. Consequently, we get questions like this one from people who would like an alternative to grape juice and pectin.
Is There an Alternative to Grape Juice and Pectin:
Q. I’ve read in your column that grape juice and pectin may help relieve arthritis pain. I would like to try it, but I have diabetes. Grape juice has a lot of sugar. Does any lower-sugar liquid seem to work?
Looking for Less Sugar:
A. Other readers have also shared your concern about the sugar in grape juice. One recommended low-sugar grape juice. Others have suggested pomegranate juice or tart cherry juice as alternatives. Neither is low in sugar, but they do have fewer calories than Concord grape juice.
You may be interested in other arthritis remedies that are less likely to affect your blood sugar. Unflavored Knox gelatin dissolved in the low-sugar beverage you prefer could be an alternative to grape juice and pectin. So could a supplement such as bromelain, boswellia, curcumin, ginger, ashwagandha or stinging nettle.
Learn More:
You can learn more about these options in our book, Alternatives for Arthritis. This information is also available in an online resource, our eGuide to Alternatives for Arthritis. Our recent interview with Dr. Beth Jonas, the Reeves Foundation Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina, covered more conventional treatments, such as prescribed and over-the-counter medications as well as lifestyle approaches to help you manage arthritis. It is Show 1140.