1. Eat an Apple a Day to Chase Arthritis Away
You've heard about how an apple a day keeps the doctor away. There may be more truth to that saying than people realize, particularly for those who suffer from arthritis pain. This wonderful fruit comes loaded with phytochemicals like quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid that work as antioxidants against free radicals that invade the body and contribute to chronic diseases. Researchers believe that phytochemicals may reduce the risks of diseases like cancer, heart disease, asthma and diabetes. All these benefits from a common fruit are amazing, but there's one more benefit to apples--reducing arthritis pain.
2. Look for the Secret Ingredient--Boron
Apples contain boron, a mineral that may reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis and help decrease joint pain, swelling and stiffness in people who already have arthritis. Researchers in Australia initiated a study in which people received 6 milligrams a day of boron. In addition to reducing arthritis symptoms in half the patients, it appears that boron may also prevent osteoporosis. Boron is a mineral found in the soil, and so ends up in foods grown in the soil. Researchers have looked at levels of boron in the soil and compared it with rates of arthritis in the population. With low levels of boron, Jamaica has high rates of arthritis. Conversely, soil in Israel is rich in boron, and incidents of arthritis are low. Scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture plan to further study the possibility that boron helps the immune system protect the body from inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
3. Gala, Red Delicious or Granny Smith?
While phytochemicals may vary according to the type of apple and processing method, it's unknown if this is also a consideration with boron in apples. Until scientific results become available, perhaps the best thing to do is to keep a log of your apple intake, including information about the type or preparations involved in consuming the apple. Record arthritis symptoms as well and see if you can find a correlation.
4. Try Apple Cider Vinegar for Pain Relief
Some people report arthritis pain relief with apple cider vinegar, both in drinking and baths, although reports indicated that it might take months of daily use before you see results. For drinking, combine eight ounces of water with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and for a sweeter taste, add a little honey. Drink two to three times a day. You can also try soaking a towel in a mixture of three cups of warm water and one-half cup of apple cider vinegar. Wrap around the sore joint for relief.
