Help for Aching Joints

“To help ease arthritis, adding anti-inflammatory foods into ones’ diet is one of the safest and most effective routes. Diet and nutrition have the ability to affect gene expression and have a direct effect on one’s health and overall well-being,” according to Naturopathic physician and nutrition expert, Dr. Lindsay Jones-Born.

The following foods have major antioxidant properties which can help ease the symptoms of arthritis:
Purple and red foods such as apples, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, red and purple grapes especially those with seeds, cranberries, plums, black currants, black beans, kidney beans.

Nuts can also help, particularly hazelnuts, pistachios, pecans and almonds.

Red wine and green tea help suppress inflammation. Some research indicates green tea may produce chemical changes in the DNA which can be passed down to help offspring from suffering from arthritis.

Other foods high in vitamin C such as onions, cabbage, apricots and pears are helpful in reducing swelling.
Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called generals, which can help ease pain.

Besides food, some supplements help arthritis sufferers.
Glucosamine is a constituent of the cartilage between the joint bones and is available over the counter as a supplement which provides anti-inflammatory relief.
Chondroitin is often used in conjunction with glucosamine to help slow or prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, which is the underlying cause of osteoarthritis pain.
Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and provide arthritis relief without the side effects of conventional arthritis drugs.
 

Exercise is another important component to relief besides diet and supplements. “It’s important to keep in mind that range of motion- anything from dancing, walking, swimming or gardening- can help alleviate stiffness and improve flexibility. And strengthening muscles through exercises such as lifting weights can help support and protect joints. Endurance exercises are also beneficial as they can help maintain the arteries and heart, which can improve general health and may even decrease the swelling of some joints. Exercise promotes the maintenance of healthy, strong muscles, flexibility, endurance and joint mobility. Since rest helps to lessen active joint inflammation, fatigue and pain, it’s important to strike a balance between resting and exercise.”
This is my abridged version of an article published by AMAC based on an interview with Dr. Lindsay Jones-Born.

Excerpts from http://amac.us/13-natural-ways-help-ease-arthritis-pain

Personal experience (I’m not a trained health provider. This is anecdotal evidence only):
I take a heaping teaspoon of turmeric powder every day and a little black pepper. It works better for me than aspirin. Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds. Studies demonstrate positive changes in arthritic symptoms.
I eat crystallized ginger after meals to help with digestion and have the added anti-inflammatory benefit. I use fresh ginger sliced thinly for tea and as a spice in stir fry dishes.
I also faithfully take a chondroitin/glucosamine supplement that helps a lot. I take a capsule of green tea powder, too.