STOP ARTHRITIS PAIN NOW!

So many people suffer with arthritis today, and think there is nothing they can do about it. I hear all the time, "I'm old, and this is just what happens..." Well it doesn't have to! Just because we age, doesn't mean our bodies have to be plagued by all of these health issues. Quite honestly, we unwittingly do it to ourselves by what we put in our bodies.

So many health issues today are a direct result of inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by our everyday activities, but it can also be exacerbated by our diet. Many of the modern foods commonly consumed today offer very little, if any nutrition, and actually add to the inflammation in our bodies, and Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints.

Types Of Arthritis

Severe arthritis, particularly if it affects your hands or arms, can make it difficult for you to do daily tasks. Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can keep you from walking comfortably or sitting up straight. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and involves wear-and-tear damage to your joint's cartilage (the hard, slick coating on the ends of bones). This damage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricted movement. This wear and tear can occur over many years, or it can be hastened by a joint injury or infection.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disorder that first targets the body's immune system, and attacks the lining of the joints. This lining, known as the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Uric acid crystals, infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis. Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, and to do this you must target and minimize inflammation.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your signs and symptoms may include:

Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Redness
Decreased Range of Motion

Quelling The Pain

Relying on painkillers to fight arthritis pain can be difficult, because as we have found some drugs aren't as safe or as effective as we once thought, so many people explore alternative pain relief therapies.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) got a bad name when the COX-2 inhibitors Vioxxand Bextra were pulled off the market, because studies revealed they increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Although Celebrex and other NSAIDS like ibuprofen and naproxen are still available, they carry some risks of heart disease and of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Opioid drugs like morphine haven’t fared much better. Both doctors and patients are skittish about their risks for dependence and unsettling side effects, such as depression, constipation, nausea, drowsiness and breathing problems can occur.

Now just to be clear, no one’s saying that pills don’t have their place in managing your pain. But pain physicians are now leaning toward pills’ measured use in combination with an array of alternative therapies for arthritis pain relief.

Eating To Help Arthritis Pain

A healthy eating plan can greatly reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis. Eating more meals that are low in processed foods and saturated fat, while rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans is fabulous for your body ans this affliction. These are the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which is frequently touted for its anti-aging, disease-fighting powers.

But this is more than just another "diet", as there’s good science behind the hype. Studies confirm eating these foods lowers blood pressure and protects against chronic conditions ranging from cancer to stroke. The foods talked about in the Mediterranean diet help arthritis by curbing inflammation in the body which benefits your joints as well as your heart. An added bonus to eating this way is that you will be consuming more healthy, whole foods and fewer packaged foods, which also lead to weight loss. This step makes a huge difference in managing joint pain.

Whether you call it a Mediterranean diet, an anti-inflammatory diet or simply an arthritis diet, here’s a look at the key foods – and a breakdown of why they’re so good for joint health, along with which foods to avoid.

Fish Rich In Omega-3s

Health authorities like the American Heart Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend 3-4 ounces of fish, twice a week. Arthritis experts claim more is better. Certain types of fish are good sources of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. A study of 727 postmenopausal women, published in the Journal of Nutrition, found those who had the highest consumption of omega-3s had lower levels of inflammatory proteins.

Researchers have also shown that taking fish oil supplements helps reduce joint swelling and pain, duration of morning stiffness and disease activity among people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of these patients even discontinued using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Omega-3s are so important today because most Americans aren’t getting enough of them. Our ancestors consumed a balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fats, but today, most people are ingesting 10 to 20X more omega-6s than omega-3s. Too many omega-6s can trigger inflammation and exacerbate disease, and we are getting them from vegetable oils, packaged, processed foods and restaurant cuisine. Research has shown that increasing our ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Eating more fish and less fast-food, helps mitigate chronic diseases, including RA.

Some top sources of healthy fish are: wild salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, anchovies, scallops and other cold-water fish. Hate fish? Take a supplement. Studies show that taking 600 to 1,000 mg of fish oil daily eases joint stiffness, tenderness, pain and swelling.

Nuts & Seeds

Multiple studies confirm the role of nuts in an anti-inflammatory diet,” explains José M. Ordovás, PhD, director of nutrition and genomics at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston.

Nuts are jam-packed with inflammation-fighting monounsaturated fats that are so important for good health, but these fats are high in calories, so you'll want to carefully watch how many nuts you eat if you're trying to lose weight. The good news is that eating about one handful each day can help you lose or maintain weight by satiating your appetite. Nuts and seeds are full of important nutrients such as protein and fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6, but many nuts & seeds like walnuts and ground flaxseeds are especially rich in omega-3 fats, which lower inflammation throughout your body.

For this reason, walnuts and flaxseeds are particularly good options for people with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Other top sources, pine nuts, pistachios and almonds.

Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, and these incredibly potent chemicals act as the body’s natural defense system, helping to neutralize unstable free radicals that can damage cells. Our bodies produce 10 to 15 different oxidants every day, this oxidation process produces inflammation which produces more oxidants in the body. It's a vicious cycle, but you can manage it with fruits and vegetables to step in and defuse rogue molecules.

The darker, more brilliant the fruit or vegetable, the more antioxidants it has, so you need to be sure your plate sports a rainbow of colors, because different colors neutralize different oxidants.Cherries are one particularly helpful fruit for those with arthritis. These amazing items contain compounds known as Anthocyanins that seem to mimic the effects of certain pain relievers, [NSAIDs] without side effects.

A compound in the allium family of vegetables (onions, garlic, leeks and shallots) called diallyl disulphide also appears to fend off degrading protein enzymes present in people with osteoarthritis. Other research suggests that eating vitamin K-rich veggies like broccoli, spinach, lettuce, kale and cabbage dramatically reduces inflammatory markers in the blood.

The Best Sources of helpful fruits and veggies are blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries, spinach, kale, broccoli, eggplant and bell peppers. Aim for nine or more servings daily.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil, like nuts and seeds, is largely made up of healthy, monounsaturated fat. It’s anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy and it’s very tasty, too. But having the right type of fat isn’t the oil’s only value. At least half of its health benefits come from the olives, that are full of antioxidant compounds called polyphenols. These compounds offer a pharmacological action similar to ibuprofen, as they reduce inflammation and ease pain. So it’s no wonder this oil has been linked with a reduced risk of a variety of chronic diseases. Use Two to three tablespoons daily of Extra virgin olive oil. It goes through less refining and processing, so it retains more nutrients than standard varieties.

Beans

Beans are loaded with fiber, that is a nutrient that helps inflammation in the blood. But fiber isn’t the only reason beans help fight inflammation. A study recently published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, scientists analyzed the nutrient content of 10 common bean varieties in southern Italy and identified a host of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including quercetin, genistein, soysapogenin and oleanolic acid.

Another reason beans are an essential part of fending off arthritis, is that they are a great (and inexpensive) source of protein, with about 15 grams per cup. Protein helps prevent muscle shrinkage due to age or inactivity, and stronger muscles make it easier to keep joints moving. (Movement is medicine!)

These sources of protein fill you up, so you have less post-meal snacking, potentially causing less weight on your joints. Beans also digest very slowly, providing an individual with sustained energy and preventing the blood-sugar roller coaster commonly associated with high-carb and/or processed foods. Many bean varieties also boast folic acid, which benefits the heart, as well as immune-boosting minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium.

Some of the Best Sources of beans are Red beans, small red kidney beans black beans, garbanzo beans, black-eyed peas and pinto beans, as they rank among the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s top four antioxidant-containing foods. Eat at least one cup twice a week, however more would be better.

Foods To Avoid

Fried & Processed Foods

Researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine examined disease prevention through diet. Findings showed that cutting back on the consumption of fried and processed foods, such as fried meats and prepared frozen meals, can reduce inflammation and actually help restore the body’s natural defenses. To do this, cut down on the amount of fried and processed foods you consume, and like mentioned above, include more vegetables and fruits in your diet.

Foods & Cooking Procedures That Causes "AGEs"

AGEs or "Advanced Glycation Endproducts", are toxic compounds that naturally form inside the body when proteins or fats combine with sugar. If excessively high levels of AGEs leak into tissues and circulation they can become pathogenic. These effects are related to oxidative stress and inflammation that affects the normal function of cells, and makes them more susceptible to damage and premature aging. The body naturally rids itself of harmful AGE compounds, but it can’t eliminate them effectively when too many are ingested through food.

AGEs also form through cooking, especially when foods are placed under high heat like, grilling, roasting, broiling, charing, frying, or even pasteurization. They are particularly prevalent in animal-derived foods high in fat and protein, such as meats (especially red meats).

It has been said that AGEs are now found to be linked to more diseases and health problems, than any other single dietary component. These end products are known to contribute to not onlyarthritis, but diabetes, heart and kidney disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, osteoporosis, skin aging, poor wound healing, diabetes and cardiovascular & periodontal disease.

Sugars & Refined Carbs

High amounts of sugar in the diet result in an increase in AGEs, which, as discussed earlier, can result in inflammation. Avoid candies, processed foods, prepackaged products white flour baked goods, and sodas to reduce your arthritis pain.

Dairy Products

Dairy products may contribute to arthritis pain due to the type of protein they contain. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, for some people this protein may irritate the tissue around the joints. Some sufferers of arthritis pain have success switching to a vegan diet—which contains no animal products whatsoever.

However, a vegan lifestyle may be too extreme for most people, so rather than getting protein from meat and dairy, get the bulk of your protein from vegetables sources like spinach, nuts, nut butters, non-gmo tofu, beans, lentils, and quinoa.

Alcohol & Tobacco

Tobacco and alcohol use can lead to a number of health problems, including some that may affect your joints. Smokers are more at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, while those who consume alcohol have a higher risk for developing gout.

Healthy joints require a balanced diet, physical activity, and an adequate amount of rest, all of which can be compromised by alcohol and tobacco use. Cut back on drinking and smoking and ramp up your eating habits with healthy choices, regular exercise, and good quality sleep.

Salt & Preservatives

Know what’s in your food, as many foods (especially processed foods) contain excessive salt and other preservatives to promote longer shelf lives. For some people, excess consumption of salt may result in inflammation of the joints. Always read the label of foods, to avoid preservatives and additives. Less salt can help you manage your arthritis, so avoid prepared meals. Though they’re convenient, microwavable meals are often very high in sodium.

Corn Oil

Many baked goods and snacks contain corn or other oils high in omega-6 fatty acids I mentioned above. While these treats may satisfy your taste buds, they can trigger inflammation. Studies have looked at the pain-relieving effects of omega-3s on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, and have found that fish oil, which contains omega-3s, may help with joint pain relief in certain people. Replace foods containing omega-6 fatty acids with healthy, anti-inflammatory omega-3 alternatives such as olive oil, nuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

Other Forms Of Treatment

Exercise/Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a treatment that uses exercises designed to improve posture, strength, function, range of motion and to reduce pain. It boosts energy and mood as well. Exercise works for any kind of arthritis, including OA, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis.

A person who is new to exercise may begin a program of strengthening, stretching and aerobics by seeing a physical therapist twice a week for 12 weeks. Work toward exercising 2-3X a week for 30 to 40 minutes each time.

Overdoing exercise is always a risk. High-impact activities like running and jumping may worsen joint health and increase your risk of injury. Stick with low-impact controlled activities like swimming, water aerobics and cycling to start.

Heat/Cold Therapies

You can apply heat with heating pads, warm compresses, heat patches, warm baths or even hot wax. Cold therapy can be done using a cold pack, ice pack or frozen vegetable packs.

Muscle spasms can cause basic constriction of blood flow, and heat works by increasing the blood flow to the [painful] area, as it also relaxes the muscles. Heat works better than cold therapy for osteoarthritis pain. Apply heat 2-3X a day for 15 minutes at a time. Heated paraffin wax baths can be helpful for patients with RA, especially their hands, as long as they’re not having a flare. FYI, heat can aggravate an acute injury like a muscle sprain or strain, making the swelling and inflammation worse.

Cold sensations travel along large nerve fibers, replacing pain sensations. Cold treatment also reduces swelling and inflammation by constricting the blood vessels. Cold treatment works best for inflammation caused by injuries like sprains, strains and pulled muscles and ligaments. Apply cold packs two to four times a day for 15 minutes at a time until pain and swelling lessen.

At A Glance Guide of Foods That Fight Arthritis

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Our Grandmothers had a Simple Solution Against Arthritis and Joint Pain

February 26, 2015 adminGeneral Health

If you are troubled joint pain, you have a feeling of heaviness in the legs, ankles, an old injury – this blend will replace expensive gels and creams
Our grandmothers had a simple solution to many health problems. Against Arthritis and Joint Pain many have used this effective recipe.

If you are troubled joint pain, you have a sense of “weight” in the legs, ankles, an old injury – this blend will replace expensive gels and creams.

Prescription pain in the joints

You will need: 300 ml of alcohol (70%, purchased at the pharmacy), 100 ml of povidone iodine, 10 tablets ANALGIN (aspirin or Andols) (300 mg).

Preparation:

Mix the alcohol with iodine and add bruised tablets ANALGIN. Shake and leave in a dark place for 21 days. After that it can be used. You can put any painful places or to put coverings.

This drug helps in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain and everything connected with joints, bones and muscles.