How can I heal arthritis naturally?

Almost everyone knows someone who suffers from the crippling pain of arthritis, but very few understand what it is like to be in constant pain.  After a chronic injury in my early twenties I do understand pain and therefore can sympathise with people who suffer from pain conditions such as arthritis.  It is not only the elderly that experience this degenerative illness, often young people suffer with it too.  

There are actually over 100 different types of arthritic condition and the most commonly heard about are the age related arthritis which is a slow decline, osteoarthritis which is more common in women after menopause and rheumatoid arthritis which can come on very quickly at any age and is classified as an autoimmune disease; it is a result of the body aggressively attacking its own tissues.

When people are diagnosed with arthritis they are often given medical treatment but are not advised on the amazing benefits of natural remedies or the healing power of specific diets and certain supplements.  This is not the fault of the doctors; they specialize in pharmaceutical support, not nutritional advice.  However, if you like the idea of you or someone close controlling the pain of their arthritis naturally, without being dependent on medication, then read on.

1. An alkaline diet.  

If our body is acidic then pain will always be more pronounced.  By avoiding acid forming habits such as meat, dairy, salt, sugar, wheat, alcohol and smoking, you increase the alkalinity of your body and reduce pain.  If you want to know more, this site gives you a comprehensive list of foods in each category: http://www.acidalkalinediet.com/Alkaline-Foods-Chart.htm

2. Omega 3 essential fats.  

These fats are vital to joint health so anyone with pain conditions will benefit from supplementing them.  I recommend a good omega 3 fish oil supplement as well as flax seed daily in your breakfast cereal.  Omega 3 and 6 fats work as close allies so make sure you are getting healthy amounts of both.  Primrose and starflower oil are good alternatives if you are vegetarian.

3. Glucosamine and chondroitin. 

There is a lot of very stable research supporting the effectiveness of these supplements in healing and stalling the damage associated with joint degeneration.  It is definitely worth a go.  I have clients who stop taking it and notice immediately.

4. Water.  

If your body is dehydrated then it is always going to be in more pain.  Try to get 2 litres of fluid a day including teas and juices and try and avoid caffeine as much as possible!  Always combine juices with water and drink natural mineral water where possible.

5. Turmeric (curcumin).  

There is fantastic research documenting the benefits of the active healing element in turmeric (curcumin) for reducing inflammation.  Eating turmeric in your foods is good for you but to reap the benefits of this healing food then buy a high potency curcumin product (such as lamberts).  I know people who swear by this product and use in daily with great results. 

6. Keep Moving - Circulation.  

Although being in pain makes you want to hide in a hole, doing gentle exercise is actually exactly what your body needs.  Try yoga, pilates, swimming and gentle walking.  You don't have to go crazy, just keep your limbs moving.  Even if you are simply doing some stretching and breathing on the floor it is better than lying in bed for long periods when things are bad.

7. Probiotics.  

A healthy gut is necessary for overall good health.  If you have a congested bowel then your blood and bones will always be getting a steady supply of toxins.  A good probiotic may help to you keep your gut healthy and therefore your blood supply clean and nutrient rich.

8. Go Veggie!  

This is not necessary and not for everyone.  However if you are up for trying anything then see how you feel after a month on a vegetarian diet.  It is naturally more alkaline in nature and avoiding meats is a great way of keeping your digestive tract healthy.

9. Apple cider Vinegar. 

The mineral composition of this vinegar and the acidity of the fermented drink actually make it a fantastic alkalising addition as well as boosting mineral levels.  Again, I hear of people controlling lots of pain conditions with the help of this natural remedy.  Take a capful of organic apple cider vinegar (preferably with the 'mother' or residue still in it) and add to a little water.  Drink 3 times a day before  meal.

10. Meditation and Positive Thought. 

I know, this might bring on a groan...how can the way I think affect my pain?  However after living in pain for six year of my twenties I am very familiar with it and the thought processes that accompany it.  Pain makes you withdraw emotionally and sink inside yourself, bringing with it feelings of hopelessness and fear.  If you can intercept these fears and replace them with positive thoughts of feeling better soon and relaxing into the comfort of a hot bath, then you can prevent those negative feelings from taking you further into the emotional trauma of physical pain.  Stop tightening up and lighten up.

Josie.



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