Are Raisins Good For Arthritis

Bioactive Compounds In Golden Raisins

Golden raisins can also provide anti-arthritic benefits.

The first possible benefit stems from the agent used for preparing golden raisins. Sulfur dioxide is sprayed on fresh berries before they are oven-dried or flame-dried. Contrary to popular belief, sulfur dioxide does not bleach the grapes golden but rather, it slows down the enzyme-driven browning of the berries. This gives the dried grapes a golden color.

Residual sulfur dioxide on the grapes can be responsible for some of the anti-inflammatory effects of gin-soaked raisins.

The raisins used in this remedy are a nutritional powerhouse.

Raisins are packed full of antioxidants such as resveratrol and vitamin C. They are also rich in potassium and calcium, two minerals that can protect the bone against demineralization.

Best Spices For Arthritis

Season your food with anti-inflammatory spices

Often when prepping a meal, food is the primary focus and spices are, at best, an afterthought. But when following an anti-inflammatory diet to help reduce the pain and joint inflammation of arthritis, researchers say dont forget about the potential benefits of the spices you use to season your meals.

The more anti-inflammatory foods and spices you eat, the more you are tamping down chronic inflammation, explains board certified sports dietitian Kim Larson, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. I think people are often surprised at what a great anti-inflammatory source spices can be.

When you have arthritis, your joints and sometimes other parts of your body become inflamed, and many spices inhibit certain inflammatory pathways in the body. And although a dash of cinnamon on your oatmeal is somewhat infinitesimal, spices can pack a significant punch when you consume a number of them throughout the day.

If you do a sprinkle of cinnamon in oatmeal or a smoothie, then have some ginger tea mid-morning and something with pepper and garlic for lunch and dinner it can certainly have an additive effect, explains Beth McDonald, a nutritionist at The Center for Health and Healing in the Department of Integrative Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York City. So with spices experiment with new recipes and try to incorporate a spice with an anti -inflammatory benefit with every meal.

Can Changing My Diet Relieve Arthritis Pain

Stop the presses! According to the internet, any or all of the following will sort of, maybe, cure, or at least partially improve, arthritis pain and suffering. Or not.

• Take golden raisins and soak them in gin until they are plump. Take six to eight before bed and your arthritis pain will be reduced.
• Drink black cherry juice every day for at least a month. If your arthritis pain isnt gone, drink more juice.
• Mix liquid pectin with grape juice and drink it three times a day. No reason given.
• Mix apple cider vinegar with honey and take it everyday. Arthritis will go away.
• Eat unsweetened shredded coconut. No explanation given other than, It cured me.
• Steep a tablespoon of celery seed in a pint of boiling water, allow to cool, then take a teaspoon as tonic everyday to get rid of arthritis pain.
• Allow yourself to be stung by a honeybee and your pain will go away.

The odd thing about these home remedies is that so many people try them, and some even report feeling better. While this may be attributable to the placebo effect there may be some other explanation that appeals to those who want to do something they can understand. If I understand that ingesting six gin-soaked raisins helps my arthritis, but I dont understand how biologic agents like Remicade or Enbrel work, Im likely to stick with what I know. Even if it is wrong.

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Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Being overweight can put extra pressure on the joints, and excess fat stores in the body can cause further inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight can lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Keeping to a healthy weight can be difficult for some people, especially those who have a medical condition that reduces their mobility, such as osteoarthritis. A doctor or dietitian will be able to provide advice.

Including specific foods in the diet can strengthen the bones, muscles, and joints and help the body to fight inflammation and disease.

People with osteoarthritis can try adding the following eight foods to their diet to ease their symptoms:

Exploring The Facts Behind A Common Folk Remedy

One of the age-old remedies used to relieve arthritis is gin-soaked raisins. As odd as this may sound, there are many people who swear by it. The treatment, which some call “drunken raisins,” involves eating a few gin-soaked golden raisins every day to relieve chronic joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Are gin-soaked raisins the natural cure that some people claim or simply a myth with little evidence to support the claims? This article gets to the bottom of the evidence.

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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Again

Let’s refresh: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system turns its sights on healthy tissue in the body, causing inflammation.

This form of arthritis targets the synovial membrane, the tissue that lines joints. Typically, this lining is thin and delicate, and it produces a clear fluid that allows the joint to move freely. But when the membrane becomes inflamed, the fluid gets thick and begins builds up, putting painful pressure on the surrounding nerves. When that happens, pain, stiffness, and even redness can occur. That inflammation literally heats up the joint, making it feel warm.

But RA isn’t only a disease of the joints. It’s a systemic illness that can impact your heart, lungs, eyes, and more. Which is exactly why prompt treatment is so important.

Is Juniper Used To Make Gin

Distilled gin is made exclusively by redistilling agriculturally produced ethanol with an initial strength of 96 percent ABV in stills traditionally used for gin, in the presence of juniper berries and other natural botanicals, as long as the juniper flavor is dominant.

Food bloggers have a reputation for being faddish and trendy, but then so do the rest of us. Thats why youre looking at this site. Were here to share our delicious, nutritious, practical and often hilarious recipes. And we believe that youre worth it.. Read more about gin-soaked raisins and diabetes and let us know what you think.

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Why Cant You Eat More Than 9 What Happens If You Do Eat More

Many people expect very specific instructions and answers like the question above. Please remember that these are not scientifically tested pharmaceuticals that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This is mostly trial and error and grandmothers wisdom at work. We do not think anything bad would happen if you ate 10 raisinsor even a handful. Whether 20 would work better than 9 is anyones guess.

Health Benefits Of Gin

Consumption of gin-soaked raisins is considered as a part of natural therapy for arthritis treatment, and has shown effective results amongst patients. This NutriNeat article provides information on the medicinal properties of gin and raisins, and explains why they are commonly used to alleviate arthritis pain.

Consumption of gin-soaked raisins is considered as a part of natural therapy for arthritis treatment, and has shown effective results amongst patients. This NutriNeat article provides information on the medicinal properties of gin and raisins, and explains why they are commonly used to alleviate arthritis pain.

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Best Grains For Arthritis

Making smarter choices in the bread and pasta aisles might reduce inflammation.

Choosing which type of pasta to cook for dinner or what bread or cereal to have with breakfast doesnt seem like a big decision, until you consider the effect certain grains can have on your body. Eating the wrong types can aggravate inflammation, potentially making your joints hurt more than they already do.

Pro-Inflammatory Grains

When contemplating your options in the bread, cereal and pasta aisles, youll want to avoid refined grains. Not only are these highly processed grains limited in nutrition, but they can also worsen inflammation throughout the body.

Grains are made up of three parts: The bran is the outer skin of the grain kernel, the germ is the innermost part that grows into a new plant, and the endosperm is the center part that provides food for the plant. Whole grains contain all three parts. Refined grains have removed the bran and germ, where most of the vitamins, minerals and protein are centered.

Examples of food made with refined grains are white bread, white rice, cookies and cakes. Because of their simple structure, these carbs break down in the body rapidly. The body turns them into sugar more quickly and sugar is highly inflammatory, says Barbara Olendzki, nutrition program director of the Center for Applied Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.

Should You Avoid All Grains?

Better Grain Choices

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Tasty Arthritis Pain Relief

If you suffer from arthritis, you understand the debilitating effects it has on your daily life. Maybe youve tried various prescriptions or considered surgery to alleviate your arthritis joint pain and have yet to find a lasting solution for arthritis pain relief. If youre in need of arthritis help, youve come to the right place. At DrunkenRaisins, youll discover natural arthritis remedies that have helped thousands of arthritis sufferers just like you.

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Many Suffering Joint Pain Say Gin

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It was one of the craziest home remedies Joe Graedon ever heardof. Back in 1994, a man wanted to know if eating nine gin-soakedraisins a day would help arthritis.

Graedon, who co-writes the nationally syndicated Peoples Pharmacycolumn with his wife, Terry, did some research. Maybe what helpedwas the juniper, which flavors gin.

Hard as we tried, we could find no research confirming thatjuniper is helpful for arthritis, he replied to the man.

The idea nevertheless took on a life of its own.

After the column was published, Graedon began receiving lettersfrom all over the world, testifying that the remedy had eased thepain in their joints. One woman from North Carolina sent him aheart-shaped note on Valentines Day. Thank you, she wrote. Herarthritis was so painful at times, she couldnt get out of bed.After about two months of eating the raisins, she could walknormally again.

Over the years, a question lingered in Graedons mind. Does itreally work?

Not for everyone. About five years after the first column ran,another man wrote Graedon a letter and said the remedy wasworthless.

Even if its in their heads, they are so happy and its soaffordable, Graedon said of the raisins perceived effect. Butyou think it cant be placebo because they tried Advil, Aleve andheavy prescriptions.

Hes had others who swear that a combination of Certo and grapejuice helps relieve the pain.

THE RECIPE

Gin Soaked Golden Raisins As An Alternative Pain Relief Option

For years many people have believed that eating gin soaked raisins provide alternative pain relief for arthritis sufferers. The gin soaked raisin recipe involves placing a box of golden raisins into a glass jar and pouring gin over the raisins until they are completely covered. The raisins soak for 10 days at room temperature. After this point, eating 10 raisins per day is said to provide pain relief for arthritis sufferers. You may be asking yourself, does this actually work? There have been no double blinded studies to show the effectiveness of gin soaked raisins as an alternative pain relief option for individuals with arthritis. However, there are a number of different reasons why gin soaked raisins may provide some pain relief.

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1. The Golden Raisin the grapes used to make this type of raisin may help to reduce inflammation. Since inflammation is a key characteristic of arthritis, this may be why these gin soaked raisins work to provide pain relief.

2. The Gin the raisins are soaked in gin and gin contains juniper berries which also have anti-inflammatory compounds including alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, beta-pinene, betulin, caryophyllene, delta-3-carene, limonene, menthol and rutin. These compounds may help to reduce the inflammation seen with arthritis.

3. The Sulfur Dioxide sulfur dioxide is used to keep the raisins golden and it also provides anti-inflammatory effects.

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The Claim: Raisins Soaked In Gin Can Ease Arthritis Pain

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By Anahad OConnor

THE FACTS In 2004, Teresa Heinz Kerry, the Mozambique-born heiress and wife of John Kerry, who was then running for president, advocated an unusual remedy for arthritis while discussing health care at a campaign stop in Nevada.

You get some gin and get some white raisins and only white raisins and soak them in the gin for two weeks, she said. Then eat nine of the raisins a day.

Although some people poked fun at the statement, Mrs. Heinz Kerry was repeating a popular folk remedy that has been around for decades. Countless Web sites for arthritis sufferers mention it as a cure for pain, and several books on folk remedies promote it. But whether there is any real science behind it is an open question.

To date, no rigorous studies have examined whether gin or raisins together or alone can ease arthritis symptoms. Grapes contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which are thought to help fight infection and reduce inflammation. They also contain resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant that scientists say gives red wine many of its disease-fighting properties.

As for the gin, Dr. Abramson said, some people find it can help dull pain, but only in moderation.

THE BOTTOM LINE There is no evidence that raisins soaked in gin have any particular effect on arthritis pain.

A New Reader Shares An Old Gin

Q: My husband had severe pain in his legs and hips. A friend told us about using golden raisins soaked in gin. He started taking this and experienced remarkable improvement. He is not sure if this pain was from traumatic arthritis, as he had a major accident in the past.

I hope you will share the raisin-and-gin remedy with your readers. It has been a miracle for my husband. You only take 10 raisins per day, in the evening. He could barely get out of a chair before he started taking this home remedy.

A: The first time we heard about the gin-and-raisin remedy was more than 25 years ago. A reader sent us this message: A neighbor gave my wife a recipe for arthritis relief that involves soaking golden raisins in gin. When the gin has completely evaporated, she is to eat nine raisins a day. Shes just starting to eat these raisins, so we dont know yet whether it will make any difference. Our neighbor says it has helped his shoulder pain. What do you think?

Because this was the first time we had heard about this remedy, we didnt have an opinion. Our answer was lame: Gin is flavored with juniper berries, but the concentration is not very high. Juniper has been used historically for treating stomach problems, as an inhalant for bronchitis, and even for arthritis. We could find no research confirming that juniper is helpful in arthritis, let alone gin-soaked raisins.

* * *

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Avoiding Dairy Helps With Osteoarthritis

There are also claims that avoiding dairy can help with osteoarthritis. Although milk, cheese, and other dairy products for some people, these foods can have anti-inflammatory effects in others.

People who have inflammatory symptoms relating to gout may find skimmed and low-fat milk protective against this condition.

An elimination diet can help people to determine whether or not their symptoms improve or worsen with dairy intake.

Best Foods For Arthritis

Although there is no diet cure for arthritis, certain foods have been shown to fight inflammation, strengthen bones and boost the immune system. Adding these foods to your balanced diet may help ease the symptoms of your arthritis. Find out how.

Fuel Up on Fish

Because certain types of fish are packed with inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, experts recommend at least 3 to 4 ounces of fish, twice a week. Omega-3-rich fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring.Great for: rheumatoid arthritis

Step Up to Soy

Not a fan of fish but still want the inflammation-busting benefits of omega-3 fatty acids? Try heart-healthy soybeans . Soybeans are also low in fat, high in protein and fiber and an all-around good-for-you food.Great for: rheumatoid arthritis

Opt for Oils

Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with heart-healthy fats, as well as oleocanthal, which has properties similar to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. But its not the only oil with health benefits. Avocado and safflower oils have shown cholesterol-lowering properties, while walnut oil has 10 times the omega-3s that olive oil has. Great for: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis

Check Out Cherries

Studies have shown cherries help reduce the frequency of gout attacks. Research has shown that the anthocyanins found in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect. Anthocyanins can also be found in other red and purple fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.Great for: gout

Go Green

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Health Benefits Of Raisin Water:

• Detoxifies Liver

Our liver has so much work to do. As we age older, our liver slows down as fats get accumulated around it.

You need lots of medicines and injections to remove the toxins and fats from your liver. However, many studies have explained that drinking raisin water can detoxify your liver on a daily basis.

It even purifies your blood and improves the functions of theliver so you never have to worry about your digestive organs.

• Boosts Stomach Health

Many digestive disorders are associated with poor stomach health. Just imagine having lots of toxins and unwanted substances stuck on the stomach walls.

How will your body absorb nutrients? How will the stomach do its job well?

Consuming raisin water can regulate stomach functions and reduce the harsh acids inside your stomach.

If you often suffer from heartburn, acidity or other oesophagal and digestive diseases, it is best to cleanse your stomach every day with raisin water.

• Antioxidants

Did you know what antioxidantscould do for your body? Studies suggest consuming antioxidants rich foods every day as they can help flush out toxins from our bodies and reduce the amount of plaque build-up.

Raisin water contains many antioxidants that can boost your immunity by reducing plaque formation in arteries and veins. It also helps to keep your body toxin-free so you never get diseases or be at risk of having any infections too.

• Good For Heart Health

• Regulates Bowel Movements

• Good For Weight Loss

• Rich Source of Iron