I have got to find some of these ideas to try. My shoulder hurt so badly tonight! I knew I've heard of using Ginger before.
Arthritis Antidotes
by Dr. David Williams
With the severe side effects of conventional arthritis medications I
urge you to try these natural ways to alleviate your bone and joint
pain.
Ginger
Researchers have found that ginger can reduce osteoarthritic pain and
knee stiffness. Try a ginger tea every morning with breakfast and then
later in the afternoon to help with symptoms of inflammation. Simply
grate or slice an ounce of ginger and let it soak in warm water, add
honey to taste.
Leeches
Researchers have also found that leeches, placed on top of arthritic
joints, can be used to relieve osteoarthritis pain. While sucking blood,
leeches release both an anticoagulant and an anesthetic compound into
the host’s bloodstream relieving pain. Leech therapy has been around
practically forever. It’s still being used successfully in parts of
Asia, Africa, and some Arab countries. I don’t know if it will ever gain
acceptance in America but I believe it works. [Sorry... NOT for me!]
Hot Peppers
What do hot peppers and pain relief have in common? Capsaicin—the
chemical that gives cayenne pepper its fiery nature. A powerful, natural
pain-fighter, capsaicin has been used in foods and herbal medicine
since ancient times. In more recent years, scientists have studied its
ability to relieve joint, back, and muscle aches. In one double-blind
study, 80 percent of patients experienced pain relief after two weeks of
treatment with a cream containing capsaicin. And in another study,
capsaicin reduced joint tenderness and stiffness specifically in
patients’ hands. Capsaicin is found in many pain-fighting creams and I
would urge you to check the labels before you buy.
How a Simple Glass of Water Can Alleviate Joint Pain
The effects of dehydration can be far-reaching--but most people don't
realize it can contribute to joint pain and stiffness, even if you don't
have arthritis.
Some of the primary ingredients in joint products are carbohydrate and
protein complexes known as glycosaminoglycans (called GAGs for short).
Along with sulfur compounds, these GAGs form a thick gel-like liquid
that supplies cushioning, lubrication, shock absorption, and nutrition
to the cartilage in our joints. But keep in mind, they are primarily
only the matrix or framework, much like a sponge. For the sponge to be
“full” and “cushiony,” it needs to be filled with water. As we age,
these matrixes begin to break down and the ability to keep our joints
hydrated lessens.
You can rehydrate your joints by eliminating or cutting back on
beverages that have a diuretic effect (coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol,
for instance). And obviously, you need to be drinking plenty of distilled water
every day--up to half a gallon a day. Consuming foods rich in complex
carbohydrates (such as beans, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, whole
fruits, and sprouted seeds) also helps. As they move through the
intestinal tract, they provide a “reservoir” from which the body can
pull water as it is needed.
Finally, if you really want to jumpstart the process, add meat broth
to your diet. The gelatin from animal bones and joints provides the
GAGs, sulfur compounds, and necessary minerals in a form that’s easily
digested and used by the body.
Arthritis Superfood: Spirulina
For years I’ve been writing about the benefits of Spirulina, a form of
blue-green algae rich in phytonutrient antioxidants. It is perhaps the
best source of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, and provides healthy
doses of natural vitamin E and vitamin B12, which can greatly help
improve mental function and memory.
In addition, spirulina is also lower in fat and provides more usable
protein than virtually all other protein sources. By “usable” I mean the
amount that is properly digested and assimilated by the body. To give
you a rough comparison, spirulina's usable protein value is 65 percent,
soybeans 35 percent, meats and fish from 15 to 25 percent, and eggs only
12 percent.
What does all this have to do with arthritis?
Researchers have found that one of spirulina's pigments, phycocyanin,
possesses anti-inflammatory properties similar to some non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Considering the dangers linked to
NSAIDs, particularly ulcers, spirulina should be viewed as an essential
component of any arthritis program. No other green superfood contains
this pigment.
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