Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, the most common forms being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The most common complaints include pain due to inflammation, stiff movement and fatigue. There is a very important piece to arthritis that is often over looked or not understood but having informed my patients and incorporated it into their daily living it has improved their quality of life enormously.
Balancing the ph in your body! Arthritis is triggered and exacerbated in an acidic environment which produces uric acid and our amazing and smart bodies push this sand like particles to the furest part of the body: feet, knees, hands and elbows in order to protect our vital organs. Our western diet of coffee, sugar, processed food, alcohol and stress are all acid producing and hence lead to chronic inflammation.
What you can do to help? There is a lot you can do to help and control the condition. First & foremost the diet plays a huge role. Encouraging an anti-inflammatory diet will reduce pain significantly. Have a clean, alkaline diet high in green leafy vegetables, oily fish and complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoe and Quinoa. Reduce coffee, meat, alcohol and processed food intake. Drink plenty of water to flush the body.
Now the hot tips.....
Natural inflammation remedies, like ginger tea or turmeric in curry, can reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Turmeric: The curcumin in turmeric contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint pain and swelling. Two long-term studies show that turmeric improves arthritis symptoms and reduces blood levels of inflammatory chemicals. Tip: the best way to take this is to mix half a teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of natural yoghurt and take in the evening. If you suffer with reflux or sensitive to spicy foods …test a small amount first to see if you tolerate it. Definitely worth trying for the benefits!!
Ginger is another great addition to the diet to help ease pain and stimulate circulation. Add ginger to soups, stir fry’s or have ginger slices in hot water
Bromelain: Derived from pineapple, this enzyme fights the compounds that cause pain and inflammation. Bromelain may also break down proteins that hinder blood circulation and cause blood clots, which can help relieve pain
In chronic and painful arthritis extra assistance is needed and herbs are a perfect solution
South African native devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) has the support of tradition and several studies for decreasing arthritis symptoms.
Closer to home, willow (Salix spp.) has long been used to reduce pain and inflammation. The bark contains salicin, which our bodies can turn into salicylic acid, which laboratories can turn into acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Preliminary research shows that concentrated extracts (providing 240 mg of salicin a day) offer moderate relief in osteoarthritis
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) contains capsaicin, which inhibits inflammation and interferes with pain transmission. Topical capsaicin-containing cream has been shown to decrease osteoarthritis pain. One of the concentrated ingredients in Liveeka’s Arthritis Relief Balm
Stronger preparations of herbs are available through consultation (see clinic page on our website) to address pain, inflammation and to improve flexibility and movement
Please seek advice with professional health care practitioners before taking herbs or supplements if you are currently on medications or diagnosed with any medical condition
And finally Exercise: get out and moving. This will get the circulation stimulated, activates good feel chemicals within the body and reduces pain both physically and emotionally. Choose activities that suit you & your condition for example swimming might be more suited to someone sensitive to impact exercises. But choose an activity you enjoy and have a little fun
Supportive websites:
http://www.arthritisireland.ie/
http://www.chronicpain.ie/