Arthritis is a general term for diseases or other abnormal processes occurring in the joints. An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. Our joints and ligaments, like our muscles, wear with use and need to be constantly repaired–a process that normally occurs during sleep. Repair of any body part requires free access to oxygen and other nutrients. When circulation of the blood becomes inadequate, ligaments weaken, joint fluids decrease, and cartilage wears away.

Symptoms Of Arthritis

- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Warmth around a joint
- Redness of the skin around a joint
- Reduced ability to move the joint

Natural Arthritis Relief

Despite the many different forms of arthritis, here are some general principles that are effective in most cases:

Normalizing weight is perhaps the most important. Every extra pound increases the wear and tear of the main weight-bearing joints–the hips, knees, and spine.

A simplified diet, low in fat and high in fiber, has been shown to improve circulation to the joints. In time, this kind of diet may help open up some of the narrowed arteries. Eliminate all dairy products for three weeks and evaluate your response.

Regular, active exercise at least five days a week, to keep muscles strong. Weakened muscles do not adequately protect the joints. When joints are painful, swimming and water aerobics are ideal.

Use affected joints only within the limits of their blood supply. Resting during acute episodes, then quickly returning to activity, is very important in preventing chronic disability.

Medications such as analgesics, muscle relaxants, and nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drugs may help, especially in the acute phase. Steroid therapy can produce dramatic improvement; but in the long run it usually does more harm than good.

If joint destruction is advanced, the joint may need to be fused or replaced with an artificial joint. Also there are surgical procedures available to correct deformities and to repair injuries.

A diet based on raw fruits and vegetables provides substantial improvement in the process of rheumatoid arthritis, reducing inflammation, pain, and joint deformation.

Legumes help meet the greater protein need in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Combined with grains, they provide high quality proteins. It has been amply demonstrated that a strict vegetarian diet (vegan), in which legumes play a central role, reduces inflammation and improves the process of rheumatoid arthritis.

Whole Grains are the foundation of the vegetarian diet recommended for cases of rheumatoid arthritis, together with legumes, vegetables, fruits and nuts.

Herbs for Arthritis

Ginger – This spice is endowed with anti-inflammatory powers. The active ingredient is gingerol. People with arthritis should consume plenty of ginger. Raw is best.

Guggul – This herb can relieve arthritis pain in a matter of a day or two.

Evening Primrose – Evening primrose is rich in GLA, which is a fatty acid that many people are deficient in.

Turmeric – This yellow spice from India works just as well as NSAID’s to alleviate pain and inflammation of arthritis.

Foods for Arthritis

Fish Oil – Eat plenty of cold-water fish such as tuna, trout, herring, halibut, sardines, and mackerel. These fish are rich in DHA, and EPA, which are commonly known omega-3 fatty acids. However, if fish is not your cup of tea — you can take fish oil supplements. Fish oil reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness related to arthritis.

Flaxseed Oil – This oil is a good source of LNA, which is another omega-3 fatty acid. You can eat it with your food, or you can take supplements.

Hydrogenated Oils (AVOID) – Please avoid this oil, it interferes with the metabolism of fatty acids. These oils are lurking in margarine, peanut butter, and many more processed foods.