Q: I am unable to take any of the NSAIDs for severe arthritis.  I wanted to try the Certo-and-grape-juice remedy to see if it would help.

Unfortunately, Certo has dextrose (corn) as the first ingredient.  I’m allergic to corn in any form.

Is it the dextrose, the fruit pectin or gelatin in general mixed with the grape juice that helps?  I can find apple fruit pectin, which avoids the corn problem, but its really expensive.

A: Grape juice has anti- inflammatory properties, but we suspect that pectin also may be helpful. Have you tried Pomona’s Universal Pectin?  It is powdered citrus pectin rather than a liquid like Certo, but it has no dextrose or other corn products.

Mixing it requires a different approach, since it does not dissolve easily.  A reader received these instructions from the company:

Mix 1 teaspoon Pomona’s Universal Pectin with 1/3 cup boiling water in a food processor or blender until the pectin is dissolved.  This will give you a liquid pectin that is the same concentration as Certo.  It can then be used as a replacement for liquid pectin/Certo.  Refrigerate any portion not used immediately.

• By Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times