Arthritis

What natural remedies and diets can be used to reduce arthritis?

If you suspect you are suffering from arthritis, prompt diagnosis will help to determine the type, and therefore, the right treatment and prevention. Firstly a differential diagnosis is required to determine the exact type of Arthritis.

Types of arthritis

Osteo-arthritis (the most common form of arthritis characterized by loss of cartilage) usually found in elderly people, develops mainly as a result of the continuous wearing away of the cartilage in a joint. Characterised by pain and stiffness (especially after exercise), swelling, deformity, and/or a diminished range of motion. Osteoarthritis is generally experienced as a cold sensation, whereas heat sensations are usually experienced with

Rheumatoid arthritis (a blood based condition related to autoimmunediseases) causes stiffness (especially in the mornings), swelling, and, often, crippling pain. It may also cause fatigue, anaemia and weight loss. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder: it is a "self-attacking-self" disease. The body's immune system improperly identifies the synovial membranes as foreign. Inflammation results which causes damage to cartilage and tissues in and around the joints. Normal spaces within the joints become narrowed and the bones may even fuse together.

Diet tips to reduce inflammation

Eat a diet rich in deep sea fish, green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, cold pressed oils and drink plenty of filtered water
Avoid refined, devitalised, and processed foods or those containing an excess of sugar, caffeine, saturated fats and alcohol
Avoid nightshade foods such as chilli, potatoes, tomatoes, capsicum and eggplant as these are often associated with an aggravation of arthritic symptoms
Eat more sulphur-containing foods such as asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions as these foods can help provide the body with this essential nutrient for improving the integrity of the joint capsules
Foods to avoid include red meats such as lamb, veal and pork. The ingestion of deep sea/cold water fish and game meats is advisable for meat eaters. In general, vegetarians have a lower incidence of arthritis than meat eaters do. Dairy foods such as margarine (use 2/3 butter blended with 1/3 cold pressed linseed oil or safflower oil), milk (use soy beverage), ice-cream, cheese and processed foods containing dairy products or their derivatives (eg. milk powder, milk solids, etc - always read labels well). There are now many dairy alternatives available. White flour products (in breads, pasta, pastries, etc), sweets, jams, cordials, sugar, etc. Artificial flavour enhancers including MSG (621) and others, artificial stock cubes, cheese flavours, etc. Condiments including turmeric and ginger are recommended

Lifestyle factors to reduce arthritis

Exercise is important and has great benefits if possible, without too much pain. Improving muscle strength and maintaining mobility are just as important as avoiding unnecessary trauma and physical stress to affected joints
Protecting the joint can include fitting rubber heels to reduce jarring and minimising the risk of slipping, suggesting the use of built up shoes to equalise leg lengths and the provision of a suitable walking stick
Encouraging weight loss in obese patients will reduce weight on the hips and knees
Some patients do benefit from physiotherapy
Hydrotherapy may be useful for patients with OA of the knee associated with pain and muscle spasm
Non-weight bearing exercise e.g. swimming is recommended in both the prevention and treatment of arthritis because joints that are less mobile tend to stiffen
Weight loss is important if the patient is obese as excess weight may also affect the weight bearing joints, which become irritated and stressed by having to carry too much of a load
Correct posture and sensible shoes, as an uneven weight distribution can facilitate wear and tear of the joints

Natural remedies to address arthritis