Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the US and it is a painful condition that affects the lives of millions. There are many conventional medications for arthritis but there are also natural ways to treat arthritis that really work. Which arthritis remedies are the best? How do you know which natural method to choose to treat arthritis?
Arthritis is caused when cartilage wears away and bone begins to rub against bone. Symptoms of arthritis include aching joints and joints which are hard to move. The most common form of this debilitating condition is osteoarthritis, which affects over 33 million people in America. Conventional medication for arthritis may work in the short term but it often does not address the underlying cause of the condition. Plus, medications can cause extreme side effects that make life even more difficult for the sufferer. Thankfully, there are many natural remedies to choose from, from acupuncture to joint health remedies, exercise to physical therapy.
Here are some suggestions for treating arthritis the natural way.
Lose Weight to Help Treat Arthritis
Losing weight is one of the major things you can do to prevent and treat arthritis. Excess weight from excess body fat puts a strain on the joints. This causes a big problem with the joints are already damaged. Reach and maintain a healthy weight for your height and this will help take the pressure off. You will also be more mobile, which will make it easier to lead a more active lifestyle. Which brings us to the next point….
Get More Exercise as an Arthritis Remedy
Obviously arthritis causes pain. Which makes it more difficult to be active. But studies show that when people are more active, their arthritis is less of a problem. Physical activity is very important for overall joint health. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the affected joints and takes away excess pressure. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis. But you don’t have to run a marathon. You can take a daily brisk walk, so some stretches every day, go swimming, cycle, use the machines at the gym, or try strength training.
Improve Your Diet to Treat Arthritis
Experts believe that certain foods help the body cope with arthritis and can make the condition less painful. There are many studies into various different nutrients, and not all the studies show the same results. But there are some common threads. For example, foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids help lower inflammation and provide antioxidant protection. Eat plenty of wild-caught fish like salmon. Also get omega 3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and beef.
Sulfur is another great nutrient for joint health. An active component in sulfur helps rebuild connecting tissue and also lowers pain levels in arthritis. Good sources of sulfur include garlic, cabbage, onions, and asparagus.
Check out foods that are high in antioxidants. These include highly-colored fruits and vegetables. These contain antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory benefits to help with pain control, and also supply vital nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin A.
And try getting some bone broth. Bone broth contains collagen, a substance with helpful amino acids that assist in building connective tissue.
Get More Fiber to Treat Arthritis
Fiber is a great nutrient for helping you keep your weight down. Plus, it lowers your risk of other chronic diseases and further complications that could make it more difficult to manage your arthritis condition.
Avoid These Foods For Treating Arthritis
You need to cut down levels of inflammation if you want to effectively deal with arthritis. There are foods that help, and foods that harm. Avoid foods like these to combat inflammation: excess sugar, refined grains like gluten, and hydrogenated oils.
Treat Arthritis With Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments have the potential to relieve the pain that often comes with arthritis. You can find several different forms of treatment and these can be very effective. There are manual manipulation techniques, massage, biofeedback, and relaxation therapies to choose from.
Use Acupuncture as an Arthritis Treatment
Studies show that acupuncture helps to treat arthritis. Experts use acupuncture to lessen pain, relieve stress, and also help to strengthen the body as a whole in order to effectively deal with the condition.
Take Glucosamine as an Arthritis Remedy
Some people say that the supplement glucosamine helps treat arthritis. But it does depend on the type of glucosamine that you take. Glucosamine sulphate is successful for treating the condition, experts say.
Try Ginger and Turmeric
Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat the pain associated with arthritis. You can also treat arthritis with turmeric, which has an active ingredient called curcumin. This is also an anti-inflammatory agent and it helps to reduce joint pain and swelling, as well as improve range of motion.
