Any progress in natural pain relief is welcome news for millions of adults who struggle with arthritis. A recent study suggests that the spice turmeric may provide some relief.
Researchers in Australia found that taking turmeric supplements relieved knee pain from osteoarthritis more effectively than placebos or standard medications. The outcomes were modest but provide additional support for similar results from previous small studies.
The effects appear to be related to the ingredient curcumin in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory properties. It typically has fewer side effects than many pain medications, and it’s convenient. You can take turmeric as supplements, drink it as tea, or cook with it using powder or sliced roots.
As long as you follow your doctor’s recommendations, turmeric and other forms of natural pain relief can be a beneficial supplement to medical care.
Consider these other healthy changes.
Anti-Inflammatory Diets for Arthritis Pain
There is no one food or diet that will cure arthritis. However, many foods are known to increase or decrease inflammation. What you eat and what you avoid can make a big difference.
Consider these recommendations:
- Eat whole foods. Highly
processed items like hot dogs and candy are a major cause of inflammation.
Get most of your calories from foods rich in nutrients and fiber,
including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Limit sugar. The added
sugar in foods can trigger inflammation too. Check labels and drink water
instead of sweetened beverages.
- Choose healthy fats. The
American Heart Association recommends getting no more than 6% of your
daily calories from saturated fats. Cut back on red meat, and enjoy more
olive oil, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
- Drink tea. The polyphenols
in tea can reduce inflammation and other symptoms of arthritis. Smart
choices include ginger, chamomile, and green teas.
- Lose weight. Being overweight stresses your joints. Losing just 10 pounds can take 30 or more pounds of pressure off your knees with each step you take. Adopt sensible eating habits you can stick with, like watching portion sizes and preparing meals at home rather than dining out.
Other Natural Methods for Relieving Arthritis Pain
Along with a nutritious diet, exercise and
other healthy habits can slow down arthritis too.
Try these techniques:
- Work out. Exercise tones
your body, building up muscle and reducing fat. Design a balanced fitness
program with strength training, cardio activities, full body stretches,
and balance exercises. Check with your doctor if you’ve been sedentary or
have safety concerns.
- Apply heat. Both heat and
cold can relieve pain, so experiment to see what works for you. Buy heat
packs and other items at your local drugstore or make your own versions at
home, like microwaving a damp towel in an open zip lock plastic bag.
- Wear a patch. Look for pain
relieving patches and creams with natural ingredients. For example, many
brands use capsaicin, the same ingredient that makes chili peppers hot.
- Reduce stress. Relaxation activities have helped many patients dealing with arthritis or other forms of chronic pain. Changing the way, you think about physical sensations can make you more comfortable too.
Appropriate medical care and positive
lifestyle changes can help you protect your joints and make arthritis easier to
live with. Talk with your doctor about turmeric and other natural methods for
pain relief to make sure they’re safe for you.
Disclaimer:
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this blog are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this blog is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. No guarantee is provided or implied. Results may vary based on each patient’s physical health and adherence to the care plan designed by the provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.
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