1. Supplement With Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine is a natural constituent of the cartilage and synovial fluid of joint tissues and is a well-known supplement for joint health support. Numerous research studies on glucosamine have shown not only a reduction in the severity of pain associated with arthritis and a reduction in need for painkillers, but also an increase in mobility. Benefits increased the longer the glucosamine was consumed. Because glucosamine is a component of joint tissues, supplementation also provides the building blocks to help prevent additional tissue damage, which is especially important as we age. Consume 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate--the form most utilized in scientific research--3 times a day to provide your joints with the building blocks for cartilage formation and support.
2. Avoid Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant and Potatoes
Foods in the nightshade family--tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and potatoes--play a particular role in arthritis symptoms because compounds in these foods promote inflammation of joint tissues, increasing the cycle of damage. Chronic intake of these nightshades can cause a continual cycle of inflammation in the body, further contributing to the damage and pain associated with arthritis and impairing the body's natural repair mechanisms. Avoid tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and potatoes or consume them only in moderation.
3. Go for a Swim!
Being overweight or obese places an excess amount of weight on the joints in the body, exacerbating the damage to joint tissues. Hit the pool for a swim to help you lose the extra weight while also keeping your joints mobile and healthy. Exercise in general will help you to attain a healthy weight, and it also promotes circulation throughout the body, helping to clear away toxins and bringing nutrients to joint tissues. But don't rush off to sign up for the next marathon! Some forms of exercise can actually cause more trauma to joints, fostering the cycle of damage. Swimming, however, is gentle on the joints, helps to build muscle and lose weight, and promotes circulation, so go for a swim! If you aren't fortunate enough to have a pool in your own backyard, head over to the nearest community center and do some laps 2 to 3 times a week.
4. Apply hot Packs
When the pain of arthritis does occur, applications of hot packs that provide warm, moist heat can help to ease inflammation and reduce pain. Hot packs also increase circulation to the tissues, helping to remove toxins from the area while also bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. Place a natural flaxseed or lavender-containing hot pack in the microwave for a minute at a time until warm, then relax and hold it over painful joints to provide temporary relief.
