Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 9/26/2011

Question
I have right knee pain.  Was taking glucosamine chondroitin and it helps a great deal.  Stopped taking it due to reading glucosamine can cause insulin resistance due to it killing pancreatic cells. Questions are:

Your thoughts on the glucosamine causing that?  Also, how effective can chondroitin be alone?

What natural inflammatories are good?
I have read about ginger being excellent for that.  How should it be consumed?  Is raw ginger grated into my ice tea good for that? How much in terms of tablespoons or such would it require to feel benefits

Answer
Hello Jim,
Thanks for your question.  Glucosamine has mixed evidence in the research about it's effectiveness and safety.  Most reports and anecedotal evidence is positive, but not all.  The evidence you mention I can't comment on since I am unfamiliar.  But if you do continue with the supplement it does seem to work better with the chondrotin.  Other common supplements are SAMe, pancreatic enzymes, fish oil and other essential fatty acid, homeopathic remedies like arnica or rhus tox, and herbals like ginger, tumeric, boswellia, bromelain.  Treatments like anti-inflammatory diet, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and acupuncture may also help, so there is lots to choose from even if you decide against that supplement.  For a better idea of what would work best for you, I'd suggest you consult a naturopathic or holistic doctor near you.  
If you decide to take any herbal, taking a regular concentrated dosage seems to work best.  That can be harder to do with fresh herb, so a capsule or tincture (alcohol extract) may be preferable.  That way, you know you are getting the recommended dose each time.  Of course, with any herb that is food-like. you can eat it as a food also but the benefit will not be as pronounced.   For any herb with anti-inflammatory action, it is best to take it at least 2-3 times a day in between meals.  
In health,
Dr Conner