Inflammation is the primary symptom of arthritis, which might occur in one or numerous joints. The subsequent pain and stiffness often limit arthritis sufferers, making everyday tasks difficult. In addition, these symptoms generally worsen as you age. Teas and dietary interventions are small ways to help decrease the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the best methods.
Ginger Tea
Although ginger is a traditional remedy for pain and stomach discomfort, it also has other health properties. Ginger tea is both flavorful and medicinal, and might help you cope with arthritis symptoms. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine lists ginger as a treatment for joint and muscle pain and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis arthritis, although it is unclear whether the herb is effective. Talk to your doctor about safety and dosage.
Green Tea
Millions of people worldwide enjoy green tea, and its various benefits are no secret. Among the three main varieties of tea, green tea is the healthiest, as its leaves are unfermented and contain the highest levels of potent antioxidants. Arthritis sufferers might sip green tea for the inflammation-blocking benefits. In fact, researchers speculate that green tea might be a source of treatment for this condition in the future, according to "Arthritis Today."
Foods For Arthritis
Foods such as salmon, tuna and certain nuts and oils have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, which may benefit arthritis sufferers who struggle with swollen joints and loss of mobility. Additionally, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids might reduce your risk of other chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Aim to consume fish at least twice weekly.
Elimination Diet
Although no conclusive evidence shows certain foods are the cause of arthritis flare-ups, April Chang-Miller, M.D., a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, suggests arthritis sufferers stay away from foods that seem to worsen symptoms. An elimination diet may be the answer, although you should never avoid any food group or reduce your food intake drastically without consulting your doctor. Additionally, a standard "Stone Age," or Paleo, diet, which consists of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, is effective for some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, according to "Arthritis Today."
Considerations
Some people use herbs such as green tea and ginger in conjunction with conventional medications for arthritis relief. Not all medicines are safe to use with these herbs, however. Ginger might interfere with blood-thinning medications, including aspirin. In addition, green tea could cause side effects among people who are sensitive to caffeine or who consume excessive amounts of it. Talk to your doctor before using any dietary interventions to treat your arthritis.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Ginger; May 2006
- UMMC; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 25, 2009
- UMMC; Green Tea; David Zieve, MD; Sep. 20, 2010
- "Arthritis Today": Green Tea May Block Inflammation
- MayoClinic.com; Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: Do Certain Foods Reduce Symptoms?; April Chang-Miller, M.D.; Nov. 20, 2009
- "Arthritis Today"; Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: RA and Food Allergies; Denise Lynn Mann
