Arthritis is a group of painful and degenerative conditions marked by inflammation that creates stiff joints and unbearable joint pain. Symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. It gets worse with age due to wear and tear over the years. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Another is rheumatoid arthritis that is caused by immune system attacking the joints.
Causes of arthritis depend upon the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to degenerative arthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout), infections (such as arthritis of Lyme disease), inheritance and an over active immune system (rheumatoid arthritis) and obesity.
Remember to consult your doctor before trying these natural remedies.
- Lose weight: Extra weight puts more pressure on your joints-especially your knees, hips and feet. Losing weight will improve your mobility, decrease pain and prevent future damage to your joints.
- Using hot and cold therapy: Some patients get significant relief of pain by dipping their hands in hot wax (paraffin dips in the morning) Hot wax can be prepared in a special warming device for use at home.
- Food supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin have been helpful for joint inflammations.
- Regular physical activity increases join flexibility and mobility.
- Strengthen the muscles around the joint for added support.
- Taking over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can be very helpful in relieving the pain symptoms of mild osteoarthritis.
- Increasing the dietary fish intake and/or fish oil capsules (omega 3 capsules) can sometimes reduce the inflammation of arthritis.
There are several types of foods known to promote or suppress inflammation in joints. If you seek out the anti-inflammatory options and avoid the inflammatory options, you may be able to ease arthritis pain and symptoms
Processed foods
Avoid processed foods such as baked goods and pre-packaged meals and snacks. These items contain trans-fats which trigger systemic inflammation.
Sugar
Foods that contain refined sugar-including pastries, chocolate, candy, soda and fruit juices –trigger the release of proteins called cytokines, which causes inflammation. Sugar is often labeled in food items such as corn syrup, fructose, sucrose or maltose in the ingredient list.
Red meat and fried foods
Red meat is high in saturated fats which cause high cholesterol and inflammation. Also meat contains high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that stimulate inflammation especially when meat is cooked by broiling, grilling, roasting or frying. Same is with fried chicken or French fries or donuts.
Refined grains
This include white bread, white pasta and crackers. Refined grains cause a spike in blood glucose which has been shown to increase levels of several inflammation markers in the body.
People with gluten sensitivities may experience joint pain and inflammation from consuming wheat products.
Cheese and high fat dairy
Cheese, butter, cream cheese, margarine and mayonnaise are high in saturated fats and AGEs trigger inflammations, so should be consumed in moderation.
Refined vegetable oils
Corn, peanut, sunflower, safflower and soy oils are high in omega 6 fatty acids which if taken in excess can trigger inflammation. Only oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as olive canola and flax seed oils are healthy
About The Author
Poonam Duneja is a qualified sport and clinical nutritionist as well as a fitness consultant. She is a wellness coach who gives nutrition counselling for weight management and l..
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