Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are two of nearly 100 forms of arthritis and arthritis-related diseases. All these diseases have in common the breakdown of the body's joints, accompanied by crippling pain and disability. Although there are various reasons for someone's developing RA or lupus, some researchers and natural health enthusiasts believe that certain foods may be responsible for some of the problems experienced. If you intend to use food to treat serious diseases, consult first with your health practitioner.
Ginger
Ginger is a culinary herb and a spice that has been used for centuries for the treatment of inflammation in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Ginger may help reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles and soothe the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Add fresh ginger to your recipes as a seasoning, or make fresh ginger tea by brewing a 1-inch piece of ginger in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain, cool and add a spoonful of honey to sweeten. Ginger can thin the blood, so if you take blood-thinning medicines, speak to your health practitioner before using it.
Pineapple
Pineapples are high in the enzyme bromelain, which may reduce inflammation and relieve pain, stiffness, redness and swelling in the joints of those suffering from lupus or RA, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bromelain not only helps reduce inflammation but also aids the body in the digestion of protein. Bromelain supplements are as helpful as eating fresh pineapple and may be made even more effective by consuming them with turmeric supplements, which also reduces inflammation. If you take them as supplements, consume the bromelain between meals rather than with meals for the best results to reduce inflammation. If you prefer to eat pineapple, choose only fresh fruits and eat the fruit or juice it to obtain the most bromelain. Both bromelain and turmeric can thin the blood, so speak to your health provider if you take blood-thinning medicines before starting these treatments.
Cherries
Raw, canned, cooked or in juice form, cherries have shown evidence of being able to reduce the pain and inflammation in joints for those suffering from lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Michigan Health System. The university reports that people who consumed about 8 oz. or 20 cherries daily for several weeks saw a significant reduction in pain and related joint symptoms. Any kind of cherries will do the trick; however, many people believe that sour cherries are more effective in lessening arthritis pain and inflammation. In addition to eating cherries, you can opt for drinking cherry juice. Again, tart cherry juice is often preferred over black cherry juice. Make sure the juice is unsweetened, or use cherry concentrate mixed with water, suggests "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." Drinking two glasses daily during an acute attack may reduce symptoms, and then continue with one glass daily or alternate with 8 oz. of fresh cherries for variety.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Low Back Pain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- UWMedicine--Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: About Arthritis
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon MS and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
