Joint pain is one of the most common ailments in the United States. Natural fruits can help relieve pain and other symptoms, such as stiffness and swelling. They also have advantages over prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, including providing your body with a host of healing nutrients. Also, consuming fruits to treat achy joints enables you to avoid side effects such as stomach upset, nausea and rashes associated with common pain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Tart Cherries
About 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis, a condition that can cause mild to severe joint pain. Tart Montmorency cherries, which are rich in antioxidants, can help relieve joint pain caused by this condition. In a 2007 study conducted by Baylor Research Institute, a tart cherry supplement taken for eight weeks improved participants' joint pain and function. Cherries promote physical well-being in people with osteoarthritis, according to John J. Cush, a rheumatologist and lead researcher of the study.
Pineapples
One of the best-known natural supplements for pain and inflammation is bromelain. It is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple, a fruit that has been used to treat various ailments in Central and South America for centuries. Bromelain helps improve swelling, bruising, healing and pain after surgery or a physical injury, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Pomegranate
This tropical fruit has been used to treat arthritis and other medical conditions since the days of the ancient Greeks. Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. In a study published by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that a pomegranate extract called POMx alleviated inflammation in mice. It also protected cartilage and bone from damage.
Fruits with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants found in fruits. It helps protect cells from free radicals, which are produced by inflammation in conditions such as arthritis. Vitamin C may prevent arthritis, impede its progression and soothe pain, according to Joy Bauer, a registered dietitian and nutrition expert on the "Today" show. Some of the fruits with the highest levels of vitamin C are citrus, kiwi, guava, strawberries, pineapples and papayas.
Consideration
Some fruits can cause allergies in some people, and allergic reactions can aggravate joint pain and other arthritis symptoms. Consult your doctor if your symptoms become worse when eating fruits or any other foods.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Adults Reporting Joint Pain or Stiffness in the Past 30 Days; 2006
- NYU Langone Medical Center: NSAIDS: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Baylor Health Care System: Can Cherries Relieve the Pain of Osteoarthritis?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- "The Green Pharmacy"; James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Pomegranate Extract May Be Helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis
