Everyday Arthritis Remedies
As the population ages, more ailments seem to spring up related to turning older in the modern society. One of the ailments most prevalent in today’s day and age is arthritis, a range of conditions which involve pain and inflammation in the joints. There are two different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis, or RA.
Osteoarthritis involves the degradation of cartilage, causing bones to rub against each other. Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease and occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. Both types of arthritis involve pain in joints which worsens over time, and while there are many medications which doctors can prescribe to those with both types, there are also several natural remedies people can use to reduce the pain or severity of the ailment.
1. Weight Loss
Losing weight is one of the healthiest tasks you can undertake for a number of reasons. As it pertains to arthritis, extra weight places substantially more pressure on your joints to support your body, particularly your knees, hips, and feet.
The American College of Arthritis Foundation has recently recommended losing weight if you have OA as the weight loss will significantly reduce the pain associated with your symptoms. In addition to reducing stress on your joints, you’ll also improve your mobility, decrease overall pain, and help prevent future damage to your joints.
2. Turmeric
On top of a generally healthy diet, you should be on the lookout for dishes you can add turmeric to. This yellow spice, common in Indian cuisine, is great for arthritis patients because of a chemical called Curcumin. This chemical possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components which will assuage your arthritis and keep your body feeling better for longer periods of time.
Although more research is needed to know just how and why this chemical works in the way it does, it’s clear that adding a small portion of this mild spice is safe and will most likely lower the pain you feel on a daily basis. If you can’t or don’t wish to add the actual spice your food, you can always take our Platinum Turmeric Complex which provides all the nutrients and benefits of the physical spice.
3. Increase Exercise
Losing weight is not the only way to help strengthen your joints and reduce the pain associated with your arthritis. Exercising also goes a long way in helping you, as it can help you lose weight, keep your joints flexible, and strengthen the muscles around your joints; the more these muscles are strengthened, the more support they’ll provide you.
Everyone should exercise too, not just those in pain. Exercise keeps the body healthy and moving, preventing injury or illness down the road, as well as in the present. There are many exercises you can partake in, such as walking, cycling, tai chi, and swimming.
4. Hot and Cold Therapy
On top of exercise and weight loss, you can try “hot and cold” therapies to relax your joints and stretch the body out, mitigating arthritic damage. Heat treatments can be as simple as taking a long, hot shower or bathing in the morning. This will make you less stiff and ready to face the day.
At night, you can use an additional blanket, or a heated, electric blanket, to keep you comfortable during the night. Cold treatments help relieve joint pain, swelling, and inflammation by numbing the affected area. You can wrap an ice pack around sore joints, but it’s recommended to never apply ice directly to the skin.
5. Acupuncture
Yes, many actually do try acupuncture to alleviate their arthritic pain. Acupuncture is an ancient practice, started by the Chinese. It involves inserting extremely thin needles onto certain pressure points in your body in the hopes of relieving pain and other ailments.
Those who practice acupuncture says it works by rerouting energies and restoring your body’s natural “balance.” The ACR/AF cannot confirm the benefits of acupuncture, but they’ve also conceded that the risk of trying the technique is extremely low. Always receive acupuncture from a licensed and trusted practitioner.
6. Try Mediation
Like acupuncture, many are skeptical before actually starting the technique. But mediation has been shown to reduce stress and help people cope with a variety of different pain and illnesses. Mediation revolves around a range of relaxation techniques which can reduce the pain caused by your arthritis, as well as lowing your stress level and helping you cope in a more beneficial, satisfactory way.
There’s also evidence that lowering stress levels leads to lower occurrences of inflammation and pain. The ACR/AF specifically recommends tai chi and yoga because of the emphasis on relaxation and great breathing techniques, but it’s up to you to find the method which best relieves your pain and helps you cope.
7. Eat Healthy
Another piece of advice that everyone should follow, regardless of present pain or other illnesses, eating a healthy diet helps your body function properly and regulate itself in a nuanced and healthy manner. Switching to a diet high in fresh fruits, veggies, and whole foods has also been found to boost the health of those with both types of arthritis.
Experts believe this is true because this type of diet provides you with more antioxidants which reduce inflammation and help clear out free radicals inside the body.
Our HealthImpaq™ Arthro-Tact Healthy Joint Formula is a all-in-one formula to aid in the reduction of joint pain. Arthro-Tact Healthy Joint Formula supports joint flexibility, movement, mobility, healthy cartilage, and overall health. It’s smart to avoid a diet based on red meat, processed foods, and saturated fat, as these food can increase inflammation and worsen your arthritis.
Q&A
Who is Most Affected by Arthritis?
Older populations are most at risk for arthritis, though those who have previously injured a joint can also be affected. Women are more likely to develop RA, but men are more likely to develop gout, another type of arthritis.
What are the 5 Worst Foods to Eat if You Have Arthritis?
Red meat, processed foods, saturated fat, food high in sugar, and those high in salt will aggravate symptoms and may worsen arthritis.
What Are the Early Signs of Arthritis?
Persistent stiffness, tenderness, and pain in joints are al key signs of both signs of arthritis. Pain in the back is an especially troubling indicator.
What is the Best Vitamin for Arthritis?
The three most effective vitamins to alleviate arthritis symptoms are glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omea-3 fatty acids. These will help reduce the wear and tear on joints, as well as strength bones and ligaments.