Arthritis is a chronic condition characterized by stiffness and inflammation of one or more joints. Symptoms can range from minor pain to severe deformity. Although there is no definite cure for arthritis, there are ways to relieve yourself from pain and inflammation and remain active throughout your life.
Along with your regular medicines and exercise, you can ease the painful symptoms by eating some particular foods that naturally reduce inflammation.
Get Relieve From Arthritis Pain
Carotenes are powerful antioxidants found in vegetables and fruit which can bring great relief from inflammatory disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. The foods sources of carotenes are cantaloupe, pumpkin, potato, carrots, spinach, kale, papaya, red peppers, oranges and apricot.
Green Tea contains a natural antioxidant known as EGCG that can hinder the production of some inflammatory chemicals responsible for arthritis and some other diseases.
Some researches also reveal that EGCG and other catechins contained in green tea may help to prevent the breaking down of cartilage and keep the joints in good condition.
Eating red or white grapes daily can help to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. The grapes, particularly the skin of the grapes, contain resveratrol, a natural compound that works as COX-2 inhibitor– the enzyme that causes pain and inflammation of arthritis.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have revealed that omega-3 fatty acids can relieve arthritis patients from pain and inflammation of the joints by affecting the production of enzymes that wear down the cartilage.
Clinical studies have also claimed that the consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids or supplements can significantly reduce the joint stiffness, swelling and pain in arthritis patients. The best sources from which you can obtain omega -3 fats are flaxseed oil or grounded flaxseed, salmon, sardine, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, almonds and oyster.
Ginger, Turmeric And Bromelain
Research have shown that turmeric contain great anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint pain. Ginger has also been used for centuries to treat joint pain. Bromelain contained in pineapple is an enzyme can reduce pain in the muscles and joint.
Combination of these three substances can bring great relief to arthritis patient from pain and inflammation when taken on empty stomach. But all of them contain blood thinning properties; so if you are taking blood thinning medicine, consult your physician before taking them.
These powerful antioxidants inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals and provide relief from pain and swelling associated with arthritis. The foods that are rich in anthocyanins are cherries, blue berries, black current, black berries, plums, eggplant, strawberries and grapes.
Vitamin C & D
Researches suggest that deficiency of both vitamin C and D can cause arthritis. When your diet is loaded with these minerals, they can slow down the process of cartilage loss. Low consumption of vitamin D can cause osteoarthritis.
So incorporate lot of vitamin C rich food in your daily diet like oranges, pineapple, guava, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli, kidney beans and grape fruit etc. By taking a diet high in vitamin D or taking vitamin D supplements, you can prevent the symptoms of arthritis from worsening. Consult your physician for accurate dose of vitamin C and D supplements.There are some other alternative medical ways to get relief from arthritis pain.
Therapeutic tape can be purchased from any beauty or pharmaceutical store. Wrapping the tape on the inflamed joints can help realign the joints and take pressure off from the joint.
Acupuncture And Acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure, which are ancient Chinese practices, can bring relief from arthritis pain.
While acupuncture uses needles, acupressure uses fingers to stimulate certain pressure points to release endorphins to relive patient from pain. But it should be done by a licensed practitioner only.