DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 73-year-old woman with joint pain. I’ve been taking glucosamine and chondroitin for about four years for control. When I read your column about grape juice and pectin for the pain of arthritis, I tried it and it worked immediately. Should I keep taking the glucosamine and chondroitin while using the grape juice and pectin?
DEAR READER:
It appears you have been taking over-the-counter supplements for four years with minimal success. This combination works for some people, but not for all. Therefore, it’s time to experiment. Use the grape juice and pectin only for a period of a few weeks to a month. Remember to make a mental note of your activity during the trial period. If you are involved with cleaning out the attic or choose to paint a room, you will be using muscles that you don’t ordinarily use and could experience pain even without a diagnosis of joint inflammation. This would not be a fair test. If, however, you have a normal routine and your pain level remains decreased, you will have your answer.
If, on the other hand, it elevates considerably, you will probably be better off using the glucosamine/chondroitin and grape juice/pectin combination. Have fun experimenting.
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