Arthritis relief is a desperate need for so many. In the United States alone, more than 50 million people suffer from steady degradation of their joints.
That number only includes the men and women who’ve had their condition diagnosed – experts estimate there are many millions more who disregard their “aches and pains” and never seek medical treatment.
Arthritis is one of 200 different rheumatic diseases. That means it affects joints, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These conditions are also referred to as musculoskeletal diseases. They’re painful, debilitating diseases that rob sufferers of basic independence and quality of life.
Most Common Rheumatic Diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory myopathy
- Cardiovascular disease
Rheumatism is the most common medical condition on the planet. Currently, most treatments aimed at providing arthritis relief are pharmaceutical. Powerful anti-inflammatories and pain medications that must constantly be reevaluated and changed to remain effective.
Approximately one-third of all people will suffer from a rheumatic disease in their lifetime. Statistics have shown a gradual upward trend in the past years and researchers believe the numbers will continue to climb.
Symptoms of Rheumatic Disease
- Persistent joint pain
- Inflammation (apparent in joint swelling, stiffness, redness, or warmth)
- Joint deformity
- Loss of range of motion or flexibility in a joint
- Extreme fatigue, lack of energy, weakness, or feeling unwell
There is currently no cure for arthritis and finding arthritis relief in pain medication isn’t always enough long-term. To truly “manage” chronic pain, you need to consider every area of your life.
Risk Factors for Rheumatism
- Family history (immediate relations)
- Age (40-60 is when most cases are diagnosed)
- Gender (women are diagnosed more often than men)
- Prior traumatic injury to joints
- Weight (66% of adults with arthritis are overweight or obese)
These aren’t the only factors, of course. 1-in-250 children under the age of 18 have some form of arthritis and scientists haven’t figured out why.
As much as we know about the human body, it remains a mystery in so many ways!
Managing Pain Naturally
Chronic pain is the primary epidemic of the modern world. It’s the number one reason for disability globally and directly impacts the patient as well as loved ones. It’s a painful, expensive, life-sucking disease.
Attaining arthritis relief through medications prescribed by your doctor are the norm. However, there are many patients who don’t have consistent results.
That’s when you need to consider complimentary medicine. It doesn’t replace the care you receive from your doctor but may help improve your daily life.
Lowering Inflammation for Arthritis Relief
To improve chronic pain, lowering inflammation is a must. It’s the primary bio-marker for rheumatic diseases and known as the root cause for most (if not all) serious diseases that affect mankind.
Removing pro-inflammatory foods such as sodas, hydrogenated oils, and chemical additives is the best place to start. I always say if it comes in a box or a bag – don’t eat it! That goes for snack products and fast food, as well. With my own patients, I encourage them to remove sugars, white flour, and starchy foods.
I firmly believe (and it’s been backed by science) that massive sugar and dangerous fat consumption (not to be confused with healthy fats!) have led us to this point in human health history. We aren’t eating real food!
Now, once you address the pro-inflammatory foods in your diet (and remove them), it’s time to add in some anti-inflammatory foods. These have been proven in countless studies to lower inflammatory markers in your body significantly.
There are three I highly recommend that you can add to shakes or over your salads. One of them gets a bit of backlash from those who live a plant-based lifestyle but it’s a valuable (and effective) anti-inflammatory compound all the same.
Top 3 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Natural Arthritis Relief
- Spirulina is a blue-green algae absolutely bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In multiple studies, spirulina has exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-allergen effects. It is also a good way to give your immune system a boost.
- Chlorella is another blue-green algae that’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods available on the planet. Studies have found it helpful in lowering inflammation, acidity, blood sugar, and blood pressure. It’s also a great way to boost metabolism and energy!
- Emu oil is isolated when these large birds (raised like cattle in Australia) are used for meat. This may be problematic for many but there are few things that have had such a significant impact on patients with rheumatic conditions. Researchers found that emu oil provided almost immediate arthritis relief for study participants in joint swelling when applied topically.
There are many natural methods that can be used for arthritis relief. Your diet is much bigger than you can imagine. Start there! It’s always going to have the greatest impact.
For more information about relief for many forms of chronic pain, read my book “Natural Pain Relief” today!