Natural Remedies for Arthritis

by Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed.

Natural remedies for arthritis are not a new science. In fact, people have been using them independently and combined with other treatments for successful pain reduction for centuries. When treating arthritis with natural remedies it’s important to identify the type of arthritis you’re suffering from. Common types include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Research continues to search for better ways of alleviating the pain and discomfort of arthritis. Pharmaceuticals like NSAIDs seek to replenish the cushioning substance present in our joints, but usually come with a variety of side effects and end up causing more damage in other ways in the long run.

Arthritis sufferers are looking for a way to return to their normal life without these risks. Natural remedies for arthritis provide another alternative for arthritis sufferers that are typically safer.

Here are some of the most common natural alternatives that are on the market today.

  1. Glucosamine and chondroitin — Both of these substances are found naturally in the body. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two substances that assist in the building of cartilage in the joints. Taking supplements of these two is thought to increase the number of building blocks available to create joint cartilage.Since it is a naturally occurring bodily substance, this remedy produces few if any side effects. Natural remedies like JointEase® from Native Remedies include glucosamine as one of their ingredients and is one of the more popular, effective and high quality arthritis remedies on the market.
  2. Goji berries is another remedy that has been found to be excellent for relieving inflammation associated with arthritis of all kinds. They are high in antioxidants and help the body produce the SOD enzyme that reduces inflammation and pain. It is also believed they boost the immune system.
  3. Omega-3 fatty acids — Found in cold water fish, fatty acids have many redeeming qualities not the least of which is reducing inflammation in the body. The easiest way to get this natural remedy into your body is through fish oil supplements. Dose depends on age. Results are not immediate but this natural arthritis remedy begins to work in a couple of weeks.
  4. Change your die t— Some foods that we eat have been shown to increase the pain of arthritis. That includes tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, onion, garlic and tobacco. Natural remedies for arthritis work best in conjunction with other lifestyle changes.
  5. Acupuncture — Acupuncture is a part of ancient Chinese herbology. It is based on a person’s “chi” or life energy flowing through the body. Small needles are used to redirect the “chi” and alleviate arthritis pain. The needles are placed along lines that correspond to certain areas of the body.
  6. Balance your pH — Some researchers believe that the problem with arthritis pain has to do with the pH of the body. Too much acidity is one explanation. Removing sugar, white flour and other refined foods from the diet that upset the balance of pH in the body and educating yourself more about keeping pH in balance is helpful for many people.
  7. Hidden Food Sensitivities – One of the most common causes of arthritis is hidden food sensitivity, allergy or intolerance. Sensitivities can be identified with the ALCAT test. When these foods are removed from the diet, drastic improvements can be made.
  8. SAMe – S-adenosyl-methionine is another nutrient that has excellent results in reducing inflammation, pain and stiffness associated with many types of arthritis.

Other natural remedies for arthritis that have been helpful include turmeric, vitamin B12, feverfew, MSM, aquamin, capsaicin and white willow bark.

Natural remedies that involve naturally occurring bodily substances provide few side effects from use, however it’s important to keep in mind that it’s still possible and just as with conventional medicines, natural remedies for arthritis are not magical cures.

Package directions must be followed to get the most help from the remedy you choose to combat your arthritis pain. Natural substances can interact with prescription medication and cause complications and vice versa, so you should always consult with your physician before self-treatment, especially if you take medication.

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