Supplements, herbs, and exercise can help when it comes to treating arthritis. Arthritis you may know it as a stiffness in your fingers or an ache in your knees, but it takes many forms, it encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues, typically causing pain, swelling, and tenderness. The condition progresses and can become debilitating as cartilage that protects the ends of the bones gradually wear away. But exercise and dietary changes can significantly help alleviate discomfort.
Here is s list of 6 things that will help you to alleviate arthritis pain from your body.
1. LOSE WEIGHT: This is the first step toward easing arthritis pain according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Being overweight is directly linked to osteoarthritis of the knee which is the most common form of the disease. The CDC says that losing about 1 pound can cut a women's risk of knee osteoarthritis in half. Losing weight can also reduce stress on weight bearing joints. In fact each one pound increase in weight translates to a two to three pound increase in the overall force on the knees.
2. GET MOVING: Low impact exercises such as cycling and swimming 30 minutes a day are great for arthritis patients. Walking, water aerobics, and t'chi are other good options. Staying active can keep joints from stiffening and help to manage pain, and stronger muscles keep joints from rubbing against each other.
3. EAT HEALTHY FATS: The Arthritis foundation says that diet is increasingly seen as an antidote to arthritis pain. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be particularly beneficial. Abundant in cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel omega 3s are also available in supplement form. The body converts them to anti inflammatory compounds. Krill oil supplements have recently been shown to be effective in easing pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Olive oil has also been proven to be effective as well in easing pain and swelling caused by arthritis.
4. BE AN EGGHEAD: Eggshell membrane contains compounds that are necessary for maintaining healthy joint and connective tissues. A Study published in 2009 found that taking 500 milligrams daily led to significant reductions in joint pain and inflexibility. Positive responces were seen after seven days and continued throughout the 30 day trial leading researchers to conclude that eggshell membrane is a possible new effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of pain and inflexibility associated with joint and connective tissue disorders.
5. TRY THESE HERBS: Two herbs from India appear to reduce chronic pain and inflammation. Curcumin is an active compound in the spice turmeric, and boswellia is a tree that emits a medicinal resin. Curcumin was shown to be at least as effective as ibuprofen at relieving knee osteoarthritis pain in a recent study it also appears to protect cartilage from breakdown. Boswellia is an effective pain reducer and antiinflammatory agent.
6.GET NUTTY: Extracts from the seed of the African Shea tree appear to offer multiple beneficial activities in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees and hips, according to a study published in 2010. Participants experienced significant decreases in inflammation and cartilage breakdown after the 15 week trial the nuts have been used traditionally in West Africa for the treatment of arthritis.
