It’s estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from some type of arthritis, making it one of the most common chronic diseases. Caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, it can result in stiff and painful joints that can impede mobility, making it difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks. A major problem for arthritis sufferers is finding a treatment that affects the underlying causes of the disease. Most traditional methods do nothing to address the pain, unless it’s a prescribed painkiller which can be addictive, and therefore, dangerous. Fortunately, there some natural, holistic treatments you can pursue on your own.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Much can be accomplished by switching to a diet that keeps inflammation down in the joints. That means you’ll want a diet high in anti-oxidants, like brightly colored fruits and vegetables (leafy greens, melons, papaya, berries) and proteins high in omega-3s such as wild-caught fish (particularly salmon) and grass-fed beef. Foods high in sulfur contain methylsulfonylmethane, a chemical that reduces joint inflammation. Sulfur-rich foods include onions, garlic, and asparagus. A high-fiber diet full of fruits, vegetable, ancient grains, and nuts acts as an appetite suppressant, and is good for digestive health, reducing the chances of any complications resulting from the arthritis. Also, of critical importance is to avoid sugar and refined grains like gluten and all flour and wheat products. These foods tend to exacerbate inflammation if taken in excess.
Exercise
It can be a challenge to incorporate exercise into a healthy lifestyle when you’re suffering from joint pain, but keeping active cannot be ignored. Not only is exercise beneficial in the long run, strengthening the muscles around the joints is one of the best ways to treat arthritis. Common workouts for sufferers of arthritis are aerobic exercises such as jogging, swimming, bicycling, and brisk walking. Weight exercises are important too, whether with light weights, cables or using your own body as resistance. Weight training increases bone density, strengthening the joints.
Take Turmeric and Ginger
Not just for sushi anymore, ginger has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on arthritis sufferers. Taken as part of your diet, or as an extract, studies show it can attack inflammation at the genetic level, offering profound relief. Turmeric has over 100 active compounds that may be helpful, but the most active ingredient is curcumin: a powerful anti-inflammatory that also inhibits the swelling associated with joint destruction. A place you’ll find all sorts of strong pain relief in Kennesaw, GA, is Red Carpet Pharmacy. Ask the staff where to find turmeric and ginger, as well as other natural supplements that may be helpful.
See a Chiropractor, Often
As with exercise, seeing a chiropractor can help with flexibility, strength and overall joint health. Osteopathic manipulation in the lower back and in the neck, and spinal manipulation has been known to provide relief to arthritis patients. Many chiropractic offices also include services such as massage therapy and acupuncture, both of which have seen positive results.
Arthritis can be an extremely painful, chronic condition, and its lack of a simple cure can be frustrating. Not every solution works for everyone, but by keeping an active lifestyle, maintaining a good diet, and visiting Red Carpet Pharmacy for supplements that can provide joint pain relief in Kennesaw, GA, there’s no reason for arthritis to keep you from enjoying a happy, productive life.
