Arthritis affects tens of millions of Americans. This painful affliction can be caused by an allergic reaction to foods and substances, an environmental toxicity, or chronic infections. Symptoms usually increase with progression of the disease. Conventional treatments often mask symptoms, and many natural remedies work toward correcting the root of the problem.
Healthy Diet
Combining complex carbohydrates with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the most successful ways to prevent and provide relief from arthritis through the diet. Incorporating high-quality fats and proteins is also beneficial. Foods that are high in folic acid are particularly protective of joint tissues. The high sulfur content in garlic and onions can also help prevent or reduce inflammation. Salmon, tuna and other deep-sea, coldwater fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce pain and inflammation by lubricating the joints.
Consuming some fresh juices can also make an impact when dealing with arthritis. Pineapple juice, for instance, contains bromelain that is an enzyme, which can reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis. Combining aloe vera juice with the juices from organic red cabbage, apples, cucumbers, or carrots may also reduce inflammatory joint pain.
Herbs
Alfalfa is an herb rich in chlorophyll, which helps to purify the blood and eliminate uric acid. This can help relieve joint pain. According to Dr. Gary Null, Boswellia is considered one of the best natural remedies for arthritis. This herb works like many of the over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, without the harmful side effects. Devil's claw is also used to relieve joint pain. It removes deposits of uric acid from the body. White Willow bark is a natural pain reliever often referred to as nature's aspirin.
Supplements
Arthritis patients may benefit from a variety of nutrients. Vitamins that are high in antioxidants can combat inflammation and stop free radical damage. Vitamin C, in particular, is essential for the repair of joints and cartilage tissues. Vitamin E and vitamin A also have antioxidant properties that may help reduce arthritic pain. Chondroitin sulfate may actually prevent damage and stimulate the repair of tissues. This supplement helps collagen proteins to form new tissue. SAM-e can restore T-cell activity in the synovial fluid. It can also prevent damage to the cartilage and stimulate the growth of new cartilage.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Using touch, this therapy can provide balance to the muscular and nervous systems. Skeletal alignment can be improved by the therapist, which allows more energy to run freely to the joints. Energy blockages can result in pain. Improvement of postural alignment, along with learning the correct ways to move, can help diminish pain.
References
- "Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing"; Gary Null, Ph. D, 2005
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
