Osteoarthritis or arthritis is a very serious problem plaguing millions of people around the world. In the USA alone, about 27 million people suffer from this rheumatic disease which causes them a lot of pain in the ankles, knees, wrists, hips, and several other such joints in the body; particularly where two or more bones meet. Arthritis could be said to be an inflammation characterized by loss of functions in some parts of the body. In simpler terms, this disease is felt when the cartilages surrounding the joints wear away causing the bones to become exposed to one another and in the process of moving the joint, they rub on one another causing discomfort and pain.
And because of its popularity among people – especially elderly people, there are lots of ideas on how to cure arthritis; however, natural means have been shown to be the best, with little or no side effects. A healthy lifestyle, change of diet, healthy and natural foods, exercises, and some natural dietary supplements are some of the ways to reduce this menace. And according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis also includes moist heat, magnets, and acupuncture.
A combination of some or all of these is the best way to fight arthritis – particularly eating natural foods and exercising the body. Here are some tips that would help fight arthritis, naturally!
- Use a combination of heat and cold compresses.
Applying ice packs or a cool compress to the aching joint would help calm inflammation and pain. Placing this compress on the spot for 15 minutes a day can reduce the pain almost totally for that whole day. Likewise, the use of heat compresses helps stimulate blood flow and relaxes the muscles a great deal.
2. Fish oil.
This is perhaps the best food source of natural and healthy oil that can help reduce inflammation effects in the body – right down to the bone joints. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly effective for people suffering from arthritis; this can be gotten from all fishes, but salmon is a great choice considering its diverse cooking potentials. Olive oil works well too.
3. Cruciferous vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and their kinds can help prevent arthritis. Adding fresh cabbage, carrots, and spinach to this combination goes a long way in helping provide the necessary nutrients to both prevent and help manage arthritis.
4. Vitamin C and D
Consuming vitamin D from fish, bread, and some dairy products as well as staying in Vitamin D-stimulating sunlight (in the morning) helps reduce the inflammation in the joints. Vitamin C is not left out in this category too. A good dosage can be acquired from citrus fruits.
In the end, it’s the nature of the diet and lifestyle that would determine how fast the pains would be relieved. Eating healthy, natural foods, exercising the body properly, and ingesting natural supplements can help fight arthritis fast.
