Each of the many types of arthritis has its own set of symptoms and unique characteristics, but all forms have joint pain in common. Although arthritis has many causes, including heredity, obesity and autoimmune diseases, food plays a critical role in not only causing some types of arthritis but aggravating joint pain. Consuming certain foods may help you manage your pain and possibly even eliminate some forms of arthritis altogether. Whenever you use food to treat a serious disease, consult your health practitioner first.
Gluten
Gluten is found in all forms of wheat and several other grains. It is responsible for the elasticity and chewiness in breads, bagels, pizza dough and other wheat-based products. As delicious as gluten makes bread taste, it also is known to contribute to aggravating most types of joint disease and is the culprit in a type of arthritis called sprue, according to the University of Washington Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Not only does gluten cause joint pain and arthritis in sprue patients, it also causes digestive tract disorders, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea and a host of other symptoms. If you have arthritis or other joint disease, eliminating wheat from your diet may provide you with pain relief.
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherries and cherry juice may offer relief for some people experiencing joint pain and arthritis, especially those with gout. Cherry juice is high in vitamin C, antioxidants and anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation. The University of Michigan Health System recommends drinking 2 glasses of cherry juice daily or eating about 1/2 lb. of cherries every day. This has been shown to reduce joint pain in people who continue consuming cherries for at least a month. If you drink cherry juice, choose one that is unsweetened. Tart cherry juice is often available in concentrate and should be diluted in equal portions of water. Use at least 4 oz. of each in a tall glass, twice a day, for relief of pain, swelling and inflammation. If you continue drinking tart cherry juice or eating cherries over time, you may be able to fully manage your gout and prevent future flareups.
Spices
Several common spices have shown efficacy in reducing inflammation throughout the body, helping to relieve arthritis pain. Both ginger and turmeric, the yellow flavoring used in Indian curries, have anti-inflammatory properties and show promise for relieving inflammation caused by joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune-based joint disease and gout. You can add both spices to your daily diet as flavorings in foods or make them into an herbal tea. In addition, taking a daily supplement of each will supply your body with the amount of medicinal herbs necessary to relieve pain. Both herbs can cause thinning of the blood. If you take blood thinners, consult your health practitioner before using either ginger or turmeric.
Pectin and Grape Juice
Pectin comes from the fibrous portions or the cell walls of fruits such as lemons and apples. It helps remove toxins from the blood that may deposit in the joints. Pectin may offer relief from pain from conditions such as arthritis and gout, according to "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." Grape juice is high in quercetin, antioxidants and vitamin C, all possessing anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, purple grape juice contains anthocyanins, another substance that is reputed to fight inflammation. Mix 2 tsp. pectin with 3 oz. grape juice and drink three glasses daily to relieve arthritis pain. Alternatively, mix 1 tbsp. pectin in 8 oz. grape juice and drink it once a day. You can buy pectin at grocery stores in the canning isle; however, it may contain MSG. Health food stores carry pectin powder without MSG if you are sensitive to this additive. Although pectin and grape juice are considered safe, consult your health practitioner before using this mixture for arthritis or gout.
References
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, MS, and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: About Diet and Arthritis
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- Harvard Health Publications-Harvard Medical School: Arthritis--Keeping Your Joints Healthy
