How Can Arthritis Be Helped Naturally?

 Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States. While one person in six is affected by arthritis, people over age 65 account for nearly half of the cases, with more women than men being a victim.

Even though there are over 100 different types of arthritis, generally we think of it as being either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint pain and progressive stiffness that develops slowly. Rheumatoid arthritis is defined by painful swelling, inflammation, and stiffness in the fingers, legs, and wrists and occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body, especially upon awakening.

Signs or symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, joint swelling, stiffness of joints, grinding sensations, lumps or bumps around the joints, tenderness of joints, and inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis can have various causes. It could arise because of a physically demanding job, requiring heavy, repetitive activity. It could come on resulting from an injury, an infection, an allergic reaction, some foods or even genetics. Also, it can be caused by a combination of factors.

There are foods that are known to help reduce the inflammation of arthritis and there are foods that can make it worse. In addition, exercise can be used in a positive way or in a negative way to affect this condition.

Foods that can make arthritis worse include fried foods, salty foods, foods made with white flour, sugar and refined carbohydrates, dairy products, processed foods, and grilled foods. Avoid the nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. Gluten products such as bagels and pasta could contribute to pain or inflammation. Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided, too.

Fortunately there are many foods that can be included in the helpful category. Vegetables rich in vitamin C, including broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard greens, red cabbage and white potatoes (skin intact) are all good. Fruits rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, lemons, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, and mango.

In addition, fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids or antioxidants can be beneficial for arthritis. Some of them are sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, turnip greens, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, sweet red peppers, and tangerines. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and boysenberries are also good.

A few other food category items would be omega 3 fatty acid supplements and fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, salmon, and tuna. Flaxseed oil, walnuts, turmeric, ginger, and olive oil are also beneficial in a diet to help arthritis.

Exercise can be a very important thing to remember to lessen the negative effects of arthritis. Strong muscles help protect and support arthritic joints. Range-of-motion exercises such as dancing can be beneficial. Aerobic or endurance exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming should be included. Also, work on strength exercises such as weight training.

The right exercises will help maintain bone strength, give you more energy, and help you sleep better. The exercises can help you control your weight, strengthen muscles around your joints, and help you feel better mentally. According to the Mayo Clinic, lack of exercise can make your joints more painful and stiff, so do make exercise a regular part of your day.

In summary, with a positive attitude, making wise food choices, and including regular exercise, arthritis should be less of a problem than it would be if you don't do the right things.