Pineapple juice eases arthritis pain

September 27, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

Q. Years ago, you wrote about an enzyme in pineapple juice that helps with arthritis pain. At that time I was in my early 40s and already having pain in my hands and feet from arthritis.

I started drinking one glass of pineapple juice a day, and my symptoms cleared up. I may eventually develop arthritis, but hopefully it will not be as severe as it would have been.

A. Pineapple juice contains bromelain, which appears to have anti-inflammatory activity. One study found that a product containing bromelain (Phlogenzym) was effective in easing discomfort from hip arthritis (Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, January-February 2006).

Anyone who would like to learn more about natural anti-inflammatory approaches involving grape juice, ginger, boswellia and turmeric, as well as pineapple, may wish to order our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis.

Q. I heard a woman call in to your radio show and say that her allergies went away when she maintained a gluten-free diet. I have had a similar experience.

I had battled allergies for most of my life. I was also diagnosed with lupus about 10 years ago. Since eating a gluten-free diet for the past two years, I have been essentially allergy-free. In the past nine months, I have had NO lupus symptoms and have completely eliminated any prescription medicines.

I feel that gluten is toxic for me and will eat gluten-free for the rest of my life.

As a side note, my teenage son was just diagnosed as having celiac disease. I am hoping that his new gluten-free diet will eliminate his allergies as well.

A. Celiac disease is an inability to tolerate gluten, a protein found in barley, wheat and rye. The body reacts to gluten in the diet by attacking part of the lining of the intestine. Celiac disease is very serious. It is not usually linked to allergies, but may be associated with lupus.

Q. I’ve had success with Listerine for smelly feet. If it kills germs that cause bad breath, it might knock out germs that cause stinky feet.

I applied Listerine to clean feet and wiped out the insides of my shoes as well. At the end of the day, both feet and shoes are odor-free.

A. The herbal extracts and alcohol in Listerine are versatile for battling fungi and bacteria that can cause odor or itch.

Q. Earlier this week I ate a large quantity of Brazil nuts (about 20) and suddenly began to feel a constriction in my lungs. My skin then felt very hot, and I saw in the mirror that I had turned a bright shade of red all over.

The symptoms began to recede after about 10 minutes, while my husband and I were deciding whether to call a doctor, and disappeared within about 30 minutes. Apart from feeling a bit sick and shaky for a while, I have had no subsequent ill effects. Does this mean I am allergic to Brazil nuts, or could I still eat them in moderation?

A. Brazil-nut allergy is surprisingly common and can be just as dangerous as peanut allergy. It would be worthwhile to be tested by an allergist to determine if you are indeed allergic to Brazil nuts. If so, you will have to avoid them from here on out. Even if you weren’t allergic to Brazil nuts, eating more than a few on a regular basis could lead to a toxic dose of selenium.

XIn 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.