Certain foods, including spinach, can help reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis.
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States and elsewhere. Pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms, and millions of people seek relief from arthritis every year.
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not a disease of old age. The Arthritis Foundation says one in five adults has arthritis, and two-thirds are under age 65. Even children can suffer from arthritis. In a 2008 Canadian Community Health Study, 15.3 percent of Canadians aged 12 had a diagnosis of arthritis.
A complex family of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis consists of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This can compromise physical movement and lead to pain. Arthritis may result from the wearing down of joints and connective tissue through repetitive movement or injury, but also may due to an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the membranes around joints, particularly in the hands and feet.
Treating arthritis is not always easy, because there is no cure, and typically involves reducing pain and improving mobility. While pain medications can be prescribed to treat arthritis, there are also more natural ways to handle arthritis.
* Eat foods that reduce inflammation. A number of foods, including tart cherries, have been found to reduce inflammation. According to research from Oregon Health & Science University, tart cherries have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food. Antioxidant compounds — called anthocyanins in tart cherries have been linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications. Spinach, walnuts, garlic, and broccoli can also reduce inflammation.
* Use hot and cold treatments. The University of Washington School of Medicine says hot and cold treatments can reduce swelling, relax muscles and relieve pain. Cold packs can numb sore areas and should be used when symptoms come on suddenly. Heat sources can help ease pain gradually and limber up tight joints and muscles. Always use a towel or barrier between a cold or hot pack and the skin to avoid injury.
* Exercise a few times per week. Although it may hurt to move around, frequent exercise can be beneficial in the long run. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling three times a week can keep joint pain at bay. Always consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to find out if it is right for your condition. Once you get the green light, start out gradually. If you experience pain for more than an hour after a workout, it was too much for your body to handle and you need to lighten the load during your next workout.
* Lose weight. Being overweight puts added pressure on joints and causes more pain. Shedding a few pounds may bring substantial relief from pain associated with arthritis.
Many natural therapies can effectively alleviate arthritis pain. Talk to a doctor if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life. TF135159
