Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder of the joints. According to Ross Trattler, N.D., author of "Better Health through Natural Healing," arthritis can be caused by a variety of different factors, including: injury, infection, autoimmunity, food allergies, dietary imbalances and heredity. Fortunately there are foods and supplements that you can take to help your body heal and to reduce the symptoms as well as the progression of arthritis.
Weight Loss and Arthritis
Your weight is the number one most important thing to address with regard to diet and arthritis, says Penny Kendall-Reed, N.D., in her book "Healing Arthritis." She explains that extra weight results in an increased strain on your joints and can lead to both the development of and the worsening of arthritis. Thus, almost any diet that helps you lose weight will contribute to both the prevention and healing of arthritis.
Animal Products and Arthritis
In addition to losing weight, there are also specific foods that you should avoid in order to reduce the inflammation of your joints. Dr. Kendall-Reed states that animal products, specifically meat and milk, often lead to increased joint pain in many arthritis sufferers. She recommends a 2-week elimination diet. She explains that a lot of people are particularly sensitive to specific animal products, and the elimination diet will help you to identify which ones are causing your flare-ups. During the two weeks, you eliminate all animal products, after which you reintroduce one animal product at a time into your diet and monitor for increased symptoms. If there is no increase in pain or inflammation, you can safely eat that food. If there is pain, eliminate that food for four to six months and then reintroduce it and monitor for symptoms once again.
Nightshades and Arthritis
Some researchers have found a correlation between the consumption of nightshade foods and the onset of arthritic symptoms. Nightshade foods include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers, and they are thought to promote degenerative inflammation within joints. Dr. Kendall-Reed states that although there is no significant clinical data to support this correlation, some patients have experienced great relief of arthritic symptoms by simply eliminating these foods from their diets.
Glucosamine and Arthritis
In addition to losing weight and avoiding certain foods, there are also supplements that may reduce arthritic symptoms. Dr. Kendall-Reed advises that while supplements are helpful for all types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis requires traditional medical therapy due to its potential for rapid and severe progression. Glucosamine sulfate has been proven helpful for all types of arthritis, and it has a great deal of clinical research supporting its effectiveness. Glucosamine may provide short-term relief of pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as the long-term benefit of stopping the progression of osteoarthritis. For best results, Dr. Trattler recommends taking glucosamine 3 times a day in either powder or capsule form. However, you should consult your doctor before taking this or any supplement.
Chondroitin and Arthritis
Chondroitin sulfate is another supplement that research has confirmed effective and safe for the reduction of arthritic symptoms. Dr. Kendall-Reed states that at the end of a 6-month trial study, 43 percent of patients taking it experienced a reduction in pain. It can be taken in its isolated form as chondroitin sulfate or shark cartilage can be taken instead. The generally recommended dosage is 400 to 500 mg 2 to 3 times a day.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from arthritic symptoms, you need to go to your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Once diagnosed, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing or eliminating your consumption of meat and taking the above mentioned supplements might all help you to naturally reduce your arthritic symptoms.
References
- "Better Health through Natural Healing"; Ross Trattler, N.D.; 2001
- "Healing Arthritis"; Penny Kendall-Reed, N.D.; 2004
