Foods That Can Help Arthritis Sufferers

Do you suffer from arthritis? If so, over-the-counter pain medication may become a common fixture in your life. Unfortunately, some individuals are susceptible to addiction and there are health complications due to over-consumption. So, what should you do? Consider more natural ways to seek relief. In fact, start in your kitchen. Although there are no guarantees, many arthritis patients see success by incorporating certain foods into their diets.

What type of foods may help those, like you, suffering from arthritis?

Pineapple. Pineapple is recommended for arthritis because it contains a chemical called Bromelain. Many claims this helps to prevent inflammation. In fact, some athletic trainers recommend its consumption to keep joints pain free and flexible. As with any other health foods, it is best to consume fresh instead of canned or frozen.

Oily fish. Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are often encouraged to avoid meats. Meat has fat that is known to produce inflammation agents in the body. The only exception to this is with fish. Oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon, are rich in omeg-3 fatty acids. These acids have many health benefits. They inhibit the release of joint destroying chemicals and compounds. Supplements are found in most retail stores, but it is best to get these oils directly from the source.

Celery. The celery plant contains many different anti-inflammatory agents. These can lessen the suffering of arthritis pain and discomfort. It is best to eat the celery seeds. Most recommend placing up to one teaspoon of celery seeds into a cup with warm, but not boiling water. Let stand for a few minutes and drink. This can provide almost instant relief during an attack. The celery plant as a whole contains anti-inflammatory agents; so eating fresh celery regularly has benefits too.

Red chili pepper. Red pepper, also known as cayenne pepper, can help relieve the joint pain associated with most types of arthritis. As for how, you may be amazed. Many claim it causes the release of natural endorphins. Essentially, your body itself stops the pain. Not only should patients consume red chili pepper, but a topical mixture works too. Many recommend mixing up to one quart of rubbing alcohol with once ounce of cayenne pepper. It is important to note, this mixture is to be applied to the skin during bouts of pain. Under no circumstances should you drink the mixture due to the rubbing alcohol.

Sesame seeds. The Chinese have long believed and used sesame seeds to combat the inflammation caused by arthritis. As with oil, sesame seeds contain healthy fatty acids. For the best results, eat sesame seeds straight. If you dislike taste or texture, opt for incorporating them into your meals. Eat sesame seed rolls and use them when preparing dinner at home. They can be added to most foods.

Ginger. Ginger is well-known and widely used to fight inflammation. Most commonly used as a cooking spice, it has many health benefits. In addition to reducing inflammation, it assists in treating diarrhea and nausea. Available in a spice format, it can and should be sprinkled atop cooked vegetables and other foods. As with omeg-3 fatty oils, it is best to go directly to the source. Fresh ginger is easy to peel and cook. Wrapped in a towel, bag, and freeze for months. It is also found in the non-carbonated ginger ale drink.

Raw cabbage. Although not as well-known and as popular as the above mentioned foods, many also claim raw cabbage assists with arthritis relief. Some recommend the regular consumption of raw cabbage or cabbage juice. They claim this relieves both joint paint and swelling.

The above mentioned foods may assist those suffering from arthritis. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. Our bodies each process food in different ways. For example, celery can work to reduce joint pain for one individual, but it may actually trigger additional pain with another. In fact, some forms of rheumatoid arthritis are trigged by certain foods. For that reason, be prepared to experiment. Trial and error can help you determine which foods are the best at relieving your own, unique pain.

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Cayenne Pepper and Arthritis Relief

Most arthritis sufferers turn to their medicine cabinet to seek relief. A medical professional typically offers this suggestion. If you suffer from arthritis, your physician does have your best interest at heart. They truly believe over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication is best for you. It may be, but many natural remedies relieve pain too. One of them is cayenne pepper, also know simply as red chili pepper.

As great as it is to know that some individuals are able to seek arthritis pain relief from red chili peppers, you likely have many questions. What type of red pepper? What format should I opt for? How much should I consume? Do I eat it or apply it to the skin and how often? If you have these questions, please continue reading on for answers.

Cayenne pepper is available in many different formats, including capsules, oil, creams, and pepper. Where you purchase yours will depend on the remedy selected. For example, if you wish to try a topical cream, head to the drug store. If you wish to increase your cayenne pepper intake naturally, head to your local supermarket or organic food store.

Cayenne Pepper Remedy #1

Mix a small amount of red pepper with a small amount of castor oil. Use a paper towel or cloth to soak in the mixture. Apply the damp paper towel or cloth to the painful area. Some recommend applying and leaving on overnight. Castor oil has many health benefits, although it is not right for everyone. Try this home remedy for a couple of hours during the day first. If you notice a decrease in pain with no reactions, aim for overnight relief.

Cayenne Pepper Remedy #2

Purchase the cayenne pepper spice. This is the dry mixture. Add to your food. If you have digestive problems, you may notice a few complications at first. For many, their body needs to adjust to the pepper, as it can be difficult to digest. Start slow, like with 1/8 tablespoon. Overtime, work your way to two teaspoons a day. You can scatter this dosage out over different meals. Red pepper can be added to most foods.

Cayenne Pepper Remedy #3

Purchase hot sauce that is made from cayenne pepper. The hot sauce label should state the main ingredient is aged cayennes. Apply to the painful areas of your body at least two times a day. Many report this home remedy does work, but there is the possibility of stained clothes.

Cayenne Pepper Remedy #4

Purchase an over-the-counter topical cream with capsaicin as the main ingredient. This is an alternative to using the above mentioned hot sauce. Many creams use capsaicin, which is derived from cayenne pepper. If on a budget, try the above mentioned hot sauce remedy first. If it does not work, try this alternative.

As with any natural and home remedy, it is important to consider the risk and speak with a trusted medical professional. The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin. It can interact with a number of drugs, including acid reducers, aspirin, blood thinners, and ACE inhibitors. If taking these medications, hold off. First, speak to your primary care physician or a pharmacist. He or she can inform you of the dangers or the risks of mixing with your current medications.

With all natural and home remedies, it is important to remember variance. Our bodies process food differently. Cayenne pepper may provide relief from some, but not others. It is best to experiment to find the best pepper remedy and dosage.

Speaking of relief, what will happen if this remedy works? You will notice a decrease in pain. The longer you take these home remedies, the less pain you will experience. As previously stated, the active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin. It is found in many medications and has aspirin like qualities. The pepper improves blood flow and circulation and releases natural endorphins, which help combat pain and discomfort.

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Pros and Cons of Natural Arthritis Relief

When it comes to treating the pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with arthritis, most medical professionals recommend pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These do work, but you may be concerned with what you are putting in your body. You may want to turn to natural remedies or relief options, but are they right for you? In most cases yes, but know they do have their pros and cons.

The Pros of Natural Arthritis Relief

Your options. The phrase natural arthritis relief encompasses many different items. It all depends on your take. For example, natural supplements have all natural ingredients. But, since they are bought and sold at stores, you may not consider them a natural way to seek relief. Certain actions are also natural ways to relieve arthritis pain and discomfort. For example, there is exercise. Those with rheumatoid arthritis have trigger factors that bring on pain. Some experience pain with strenuous joint use, others do so with certain foods. So, eating or avoid certain foods is another way to seek natural arthritis relief. Virtually, your options are endless.

Most are safe. Since these remedies are natural, if anything needs to be ingested or applied to the skin, it is all natural. This means it was found in the environment. Since there are no guarantees, caution is still advised. For example, cayenne pepper is known for the presence of capsaicin. This is also found in many over-the-counter arthritis creams. Although natural, it can interact with certain medications.

Many are cheap and some are even free! For example, exercise can be free. Exercise is important because it strengths the muscles surrounding the joints. It provides extra support and protection, which should result in less pain. You can pay for a gym membership. Instead, walk around your neighborhood or stretch at home. In terms of all-natural supplements and foods, look for sales, use coupons, and shop at stores known for their everyday low prices.

The Cons of Natural Arthritis Relief

There are no guarantees. Always remember that the human body is similar, but very different. This is most commonly seen with allergies. Our bodies process food differently. Some arthritis patients claim eating raw cabbage or drinking cabbage juice reduces arthritis pain and inflammation. On the other hand, it does nothing for others. In fact, some cannot stomach the taste and others are allergic! Your best option is to familiarize yourself with popular natural remedies and then experiment to find the best form of relief for your own body.

Some natural remedies require prolonged use. Research apple cider vinegar and arthritis online. You will find a ton of remedies and information on how it does work. With that said, you will also see that prolonged use is required. Some patients stop drinking apple cider vinegar mixtures or stop soaking their body due to the reduction in pain and swelling. Many are disappointed to later see the pain and inflammation return.

Some natural remedies can get costly, especially overtime. You just heard that continued use is best for maximum and long-term relief of pain and swelling. Unfortunately, this means you need to buy more. Remember, exercise can be free. As for heat, opt for a warm bath. If you need to use a heating pad, save the one-time patches for on-the-go use. At home, use a reusable heating pad.

In short, natural remedies for arthritis relief do have their pros and cons, but what do you have to lose? In most cases not much, so give exercise, heat, food, and supplements a try. You just may get the relief you were hoping for.

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Over-the-Counter Products for Arthritis Relief

If you suffer from arthritis, your physician has likely already suggested over-the-counter products to relieve the pain, stiffness, and swelling. You should heed his or her advice. However, if you are looking to switch brands, examine other products, or lower the cost, it is important to know what your options are. In terms of over-the-counter arthritis relief, you have many options. What are they?

Pain relievers. Good old pain reliever can reduce or temporarily eliminate the joint pain that comes will all types of arthritis. Well-known brands include Tylenol, Bayer, Advil, and Aleve. In addition to standard pain relievers, many well-known brands have developed formulas just for arthritis. For example, Tylenol Arthritis capsules have two pain fighting layers. The first dissolves quickly for immediate relief and the second dissolves slower, resulting in long lasting relief.

Over-the-counter pain pills all accomplish the same goal, but that goal is reached different ways and with different formulas. For that reason, never assume you need to take a pill every 4 to 6 hours. Read the directions and follow them.

Topical pain relief cream. Topical pain relief cream comes in a small tube. You rub the cream onto your body once or twice a day. Pain relief is felt almost immediately and it will last for hours. Most creams are deep penetrating and odor free. You can seek relief without smelling like a walking medicine cabinet.

As with over-the-counter pain medications, it is important to read and follow all directions. Most recommend applying no more than two times a day, but all topical creams are different. Although not ingested, it is still medicine and caution is advised.

When looking closely at the ingredients for these topical creams, you will find that most have capsaicin as their active ingredient. This is also found in red cayenne pepper. For maximum relief, incorporate the spice into your meals.

Heat patches. It has long been said that warmth lessens the severity of arthritis pain. It also relieves stiffness and swelling. If these are symptoms of yours, heated patches can provide you with relief. These patches are similar to heating pads, but they are ideal for when you are on the go. They automatically warm with skin contact.

ThermaCare is a well-known brand for heating patches. Their patches provide relief for all types of aches and pains, including menstrual cramping. They dedicated a special line of pads for arthritis. The heat is long lasting, for around 12 hours or more. Patches are available for the wrist, elbow, knee, neck, and shoulder.

As with a heating pad you warm in the microwave, there are risks associated with these on the go heated patches. The most common is burning. As we age, it is easier for the skin to burn. Those 55 should proceed with caution. Test the patch during the day before sleeping with it on.

Heating pads. The above mentioned heating patches do provide warm relief from arthritis pain and joint stiffness, but they are one-time use. Their costs can easily add up. Use these patches for when you need to move. If you have the ability to relax at home, a heating pad is best.

Heating pads come in a number of different formats and sizes. There are those you warm in the microwave and those you plug in. For nighttime, use the microwaveable pouches. They cool overtime, so there is less risk of burns when you are fast asleep.

As you can see, a number of over-the-counter products can allow you to seek relief from the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis. These products are available for sale in most retail stores, including drug, grocery, health, and department stores. Before opting for pain relieving pills or arthritis cream, speak to a medical professional. Make sure they do not interact with the medications you are already taking. As for heating patches and pads, they are safe to use, as long as used as directed.

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