How to Find Natural Remedies and Treatments for Arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by the inflammation of one or more joints. There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by damage to joints and may be hereditary. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases, meaning that the body attacks itself. Joint infection can result in septic arthritis. Gouty arthritis (also known as “gout”) occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints. Natural remedies may help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and promote better health. Read below to learn more about natural remedies and treatments that may help to alleviate the effects of arthritis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Eat less red meat. Meats can contain arachidonic acid, a substance that can provoke inflammation.

2. Consider shark cartilage: Shark cartilage contains chondroitin, a substance that helps to draw fluid into cartilage – which can improve the joint’s ability to absorb shock. Both chondroitin and glycoaminoglycan, another substance found in shark cartilage, have anti-inflammatory properties.

3. 

   Eat berries: Blueberries and blackberries contain large amounts of antioxidants that may help to alleviate arthritic symptoms. Both blueberries and blackberries have been reported to help with gout. Eat at least ½ cup of blueberries each day.

4. Eat less sugar: Decreasing the amount of sugar (except those found naturally in fruits) in your diet may help with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

5. 

   Drink teas: Try mixing 2 tsp of lemon juice with 1 tsp of honey in a cup of warm water, as a homemade tea. A different tea involves adding ½ tsp of turmeric powder to a cup of warm water. Add black pepper to help activate curcumin, the antioxidant property, in the turmeric tea. Make tea with ginger root to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger. Alternatively, alfalfa tea has been reported to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis.

6. Try apple cider vinegar: Dissolve 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp of honey in a cup of warm water. Drink once or twice per day.

7. 

   Try vegetable juices: Carrot juice, celery juice, and cucumber juice have been reported to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis. One of the best ways to extract the health benefits of vegetable juices is to juice the vegetables fresh before consuming. One pound of carrots makes approximately 8 oz. of juice. Vegetable juices can also be purchased at health food stores.

8. Lose weight: Try to stay at a healthy weight for your age and height. Added weight places added stress on your joints.

9. 

   Eat more omega-3s: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential acids that cannot be produced by the body. Sources of these acids include flax seed oil, cold water fish (such as salmon and tuna), walnuts, and avocado. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve outcomes associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

10. Take up yoga, visualization, meditation, and other mind-body activities that can promote stress reduction and relaxation. Article text © 2009 by urbandill. All rights reserved

Tips & Warnings

• This information is given for informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice from your physician or health care provider.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
• Consult with your doctor before undertaking any diet, health, or treatment regimen.