Arthritis, whether it is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
or gout, have the common symptoms of inflammation of one or more
joints. This is accompanied by pain, swelling and sometimes
joint deformity. Traditionally, with herbal medicine,
anti-inflammatory herbs such as black cohosh, feverfew, yucca
and wild yam were recommended. And a naturopath might prescribe
vitamins like vitamin A, the B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin
E. Plus a host of minerals like chelated zinc, chelated calcium
and magnesium, copper salicylate, selenium and bromelain. And
supplements like evening primrose and fish oils, glucosmaine,
and superoxide dismutase, which is found in good quality
dehydrated (but not juiced) green barley powder.
But scientists have found some very effective anti-inflammatory
agents in our own kitchen. Some of them, like ginger, can be
bought as a supplement. And due to ginger's strong taste, this
might be a preferable way of taking it to get the quantities you
need for a significant anti-inflammatory effect. But others,
like olive oil, can easily be integrated into the daily diet.
Cinnamon is not commonly used as a supplement here, but in India
it has a rich traditional use and may be available as part of an
Ayurvedic supplement.
Ginger
One of the active constituents in ginger is a phenolic compound
known as gingerols. These have been found to have a strong
anti-inflammatory effect. In a study reported in the
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal, the participants who took
the ginger compound had significantly less pain during movement
than those who took the placebo. This study followed 29 people
over 12 months, and also found that swelling in the knees was
also reduced. However, if you are taking blood thinning
medication like warfarin, you may need to be careful about the
amount of ginger you take, as ginger can thin the blood also.
(Australian Healthy Food)
Cinnamon
This rather delicious spice has a number of health benefits.
Specific to inflammation and arthritis, cinnamon can help
inhibit the release of inflammatory fatty acids. (Australian
Healthy Food)
Yellow and Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Some of the carotenoids in yellow and orange fruit and
vegetables help reduce inflammation. Carotenoids are what gives
these vegetables and fruit their color. (Australian Healthy Food)
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil acts similar to the anti-inflammatory
drug ibuprofen, though it doesn't have the immediate pain
relieving effects that ibuprofen does. But a compund found in
extra virgin olive oil, called oleocanthal has been found to
inhibit the COX enzymes like ibuprofen, in what researchers
describe as a 'dose dependant' manner. This research was
originally reported in the September, 2005 issue of Nature
magazine by Paul Breslin and his associates from Monell Chemical
Senses Center. He describes oleocanthal as a natural
anti-inflammatory compound that is potentially as strong as
ibuprofen. He suggests that taken over the long term, it will
have the same potential benefits that long term use of ibuprofen
does. Their results found that taking 50 grams of extra virgin
olive oil is equal to approximately 10% of the dosage of
ibuprofen recommended for pain relief for adults. Olive oil also
has a host of other benefits, including a heart protective
effect.
Interestingly, scientists have also found that a diet high in
refined grains, sugary soft drinks, processed meat and even diet
soft drinks can encourage both inflammation and type 2 diabetes.
Resources: 1.
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=62217 2.
Australian Healthy Food Magazine, November 2005 Issue 3.
Australian Healthy Food Magazine, January 2006 Issue 4, P
Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing (Hinkler
Books)
About the author:
To find out more about vitamin and herbs and glucosamine supplements, visit my site for
up to date articles and information. There are lots of natural
home remedies, and DIY natural health information.
Written by: Rebecca Prescott
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