In addition, a form of vitamin B3 called niacinamide was studied by Dr. William Kaufman in hundreds of people with osteoarthritis, and was helpful the majority of time, particularly with DJD of the knees. There are two approaches which seem to work for some people. The first is to eliminate foods containing nightshade alkyloids, including peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and tobacco. This is based on research by Dr. Norman Childers, and is supported anecdotally by a variety of patients. Joint pains are common results of food sensitivities, and the most common offending foods are wheat, dairy, yeast, citrus, coffee and foods with additives and preservatives.
Several herbs are useful in osteoarthritis.
Guaiacum has been studied successfully in arthritis. And anti-oxidant herbs such as turmeric and green tea may be helpful as well. One natural substance that has been used world-wide for arthritis is honeybee venom. Honey bee venom has been very well studied and contains the most potent anti-inflammatory activity known, as well as enzymes and substances which break down and remold damaged tissue. Many people learn to self-administer bee stings using tweezers, and a handful of physicians around the U.S. use bee venom therapy in injectible form in the treatment of arthritis.