Freedom From Joint Pain

 

With over three million Canadians suffering from arthritis, fighting joint pain has become a top priority in health care. If you have started to find it hard to climb stairs or kneel down in the garden, then it is time to consider natural ways to reduce inflammation. Luckily nature provides powerful and safe alternatives to increase mobility and helps reduce the swelling that causes pain.

 

By Julie Daniluk R.H.N.

 

Foods that help protect joint tissue

Certain diet choices like nightshade vegetables, refined sugars and food allergies such as intolerance to wheat and dairy, can all play a role in increasing joint inflammation beyond regular wear and tear on the joints. Naturopathic Doctor Nora Pope explains, “Joint pain can be caused by the body's immune system attacking its own synovium.” Synovium being the soft tissue that lines the non-cartilaginous surfaces within joints.

 

If you’re craving something sweet, try eating pineapples. Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain which helps the body breakdown protein. Poor digestion is known to cause an inability to break down protein correctly, which has been a suggested cause of arthritis.

 

According to Dr. Alan Logan, Canada’s leading essential fatty acid expert, Fish oil has also been known to have a positive effect on arthritis symptoms. Dr. Logan suggests using at least 3,000 milligrams fish oil daily. “Give this supplement time to yield benefits by using it consistently for 10 weeks.”

 

The bright yellow colour you enjoy in your curry is Turmeric, with Curcumin being the active ingredient.  Curcumin has been shown to be the anti-inflammatory activity in several clinical studies to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme. Turmeric also has a mild flavour and can add colour to any meal. The daily recommended dose of Tumeric is two to three grams.

 

Beyond what you take into the body in the way of food nutrients, also consider gentle physical therapies such as Pilates to support the muscles around the joints. By building up the muscle tissue around the knee, you can lift the kneecap off the joint to ensures proper alignment.

 

ALL-NATURAL HOME REMEDIES THAT CAN HELP RELIEVE JOINT PAIN:

GINGER: Japan’s favorite anti-inflammatory condiment
It is no surprise that Japan has the longest living people in the world! They keep inflammation under control with ginger as an anti-aging tool. According to Arthritis & Rheumatism, 65 per cent of patients taking ginger experienced a reduction in knee pain.

 

LICORICE: A tasty childhood candy revisited
Did you like black licorice as a kid? Black licorice nibs is now made with anise extract, but historically licorice contained glycyrrhizin which is know to calm and nourishe the body. Glycyrrhizin, also contains compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. The daily recommended dose of Glycyrrhizin is five to fifteen grams of cut or powdered roots.