Juicing When You Have Arthritis
Foods can have an effect on inflammation in the body, which is related to arthritis. Some foods like those that are deep-fried, sugary, processed, or refined lead to more inflammation, while others, like fruits and vegetables, lead to less inflammation, says Ashley Harris, RD, clinical dietitian at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Ohio.
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Juicing is an easy way to fill up on those foods full of antioxidants that help lessen inflammation, like the anthocyanins in berries and bromelain in pineapple, says Nathan Wei, MD, a rheumatologist and director of the Arthritis Treatment Center in Frederick, Maryland.
It can also help with weight loss, which is important when you have arthritis. Fat cells contain leptins, which are proteins that aggravate inflammation, Dr. Wei says. The fewer fat cells, the fewer leptins hanging around.
Individual Food Items In Diet And Their Relevance To Ra
In an average diet comprising of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are several food items which are rich source of some phytochemicals and their efficacy in eradication of diseases has been known and is included under traditional medicines on which 80% of the world population relies . Food items such as dietary fibers, cooking oil, polyphenols, bioactive compounds from several herbs and beverages like tea are among the cheapest sources of medication however, their bioavailability has always been a matter of concern.
Benefits Of Eating Red And Green Foods
For example, green vegetables contain a powerful antioxidant known as lutein. Lutein is not only anti-inflammatory, but also promotes healthy blood vessels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lutein also helps keep your eyes healthy and reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration .
Red fruits and vegetables contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanins. These keep your heart healthy, help maintain and increase memory, and lower the risk of cancer.
With all of these positive benefits, its time to increase our consumption of red and green fruits and vegetables.
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Why Is Celery So Healthy
Celery is high in phytonutrients, anti-inflammatory components, and antioxidants.
Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, a wellness physician and radio show host, has told various publications that celery is beneficial for inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis because it contains antioxidants and polysaccharides that are known to act as anti-inflammatories, especially flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants.
Other antioxidants that make celery a go-to for RA patients include phenolic acids such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, as well as flavanols such as quecetin.
According to Axe, this means that celery is useful for treating inflammation and joint pain.
A study on healthfulness of certain plants has shown that luteolin, another substance that is found in celery, has anti-inflammatory properties. However, luteolin hasnt been studied directly in association with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis pain relief.
However, the combination of healthy plant compounds like luteolin, along with antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory components, is why some nutrition and dietary experts tout celery as a good food for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Celery seeds are also a component in some massage oils and natural topical salves for pain. Patients should use caution though when ingesting a vegetable or using its ingredients topically if they have not tried it before, in case an allergy is present.
Nightshade Vegetables Cause Inflammation
Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers all contain the chemical solanine, which some blame for arthritis pain. However, the Arthritis Foundation say that there is no scientific evidence for this. Adding these nutritious vegetables to the diet can have many benefits for chronic health conditions.
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Lithium Interacts With Celery
Celery might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking celery might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
May Support Heart Health
Although celery has a high water content, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including potassium and calcium, which are important for heart health. It also contains folate and vitamin K, both of which are required for the formation of red blood cells and effective blood clotting. Celery is also a good source of protective plant compounds called flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Diets high in fibrous foods like celery are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
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How To Take Celery Seeds
You can buy loose dried celery seeds, celery seed extract, celery seed oil, and celery seed tablets, in the pharmacy, health food store, or online.
Celery seed extract is becoming ever more popular among people suffering from conditions such as, high blood pressure, diabetes, fluid retention, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and gouty arthritis .
Celery seed extract is sold as a dietary supplement in capsule form. Look at the bottle label for Celery Seed Standardized Extract 85% 3nB. Each capsule is usually 75mg. The normal dosage is one capsule twice daily, but make sure you read the label carefully.
Its possible to make an infusion or tea using loose celery seeds: Add 1 tablespoon of seeds to 2 cups of water and boil until the seeds are soft. Strain and drink half a cup of the tea four times a day until your symptoms have gone.
You can also sprinkle the dried seeds on salads, add to baked goods or as a seasoning for soups, meats and vegetables. The seeds themselves are somewhat bitter.
Note: Make certain that you drink plenty of water while you are taking celery seeds. This is because the seeds are a diuretic, which will cause you to urinate more often. An inadequate intake of water can lead to dehydration which aids in the formation of uric acid crystals and other complications. So you need to keep replenishing the fluid you are excreting.
But be very carefulcelery seeds are not suitable for everybody:
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
Celery seeds trigger the natural production of urine and are beneficial at combating bacterial infections within the digestive tract. In fact, they serve the same purpose as cranberries in treating bladder disorders, cysts and kidney problems . A handful of celery seeds will help cleanse your urinary tract and keep it void of any unwanted bacteria.
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Foods That Help Reduce Joint Pain
Ben Franklin was right when he said: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We agree, so our orthopaedic specialists encourage patients to adopt dietary and exercise habits that support strong bones and joints.
Your everyday routine can have a big impact on the health and longevity of your joints. For example, choosing foods that build bone density, strengthen connective tissue and reduce inflammation can help you prevent injuries and preserve your joints for a long, active life.
We often see patients who are curious about making lifestyle changes to reduce joint pain. Yet our orthopaedic doctors recognize that its hard to change everything at once. Therefore, taking a look at your diet is a great place to start.
Heres our take on 10 foods that may help reduce pain and increase mobility in the joints:
How To Eat Celery Seeds
Celery seed, either whole or ground, is probably best known as a cooking spice. Not surprising, it tastes like, well, celery. So it pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as salad dressings and as a seasoning for meats, seafood and vegetables. Its also commonly used in pickling and brining.
You can also brew up a celery seed tea, Miller says, with one to two grams steeped in hot water.
Next, learn more about otheranti-inflammatory foods.
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Benefits Of Celery Seeds
The ability to fight inflammation isnt the only health benefit of celery seeds. Celery seed can be used in many situations, Miller says.
Celery seeds act as a diuretic and urinary antiseptic, meaning it helps eliminate uric acid from the body, which can help with urinary tract infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. For nursing mothers, research suggests celery seeds could help enhance milk production.
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Research also shows that celery seed extract has antibacterial properties and could treat Helicobacter pylori infections like stomach inflammation, peptic ulcer disease and some types of stomach cancer. The antibacterial benefits could improve digestive health, too. This benefit also makes it ideal for fighting and preventing other bacterial growth and yeast, Richards says.
The scent of celery seed also brings benefits. In aromatherapy, celery seed oil can ease nervousness, anxiety and stress, and improve sleep.
Side Effects Of Celery Seed:
Celery Seed is designated as a Generally Recognized as Safe product by the FDA in the USA. It has not shown any adverse side effects when used in moderation. However, allergies to celery are not uncommon, so if you experience any adverse reaction you should discontinue use of celery seed and consult your physician.
Celery Seed oil contains a compound called Bergapten which can increase photosensitivity so caution is suggested in using the essential oil externally if you will be in bright sunlight. Celery Seed is not recommended for pregnant women because it contains Apiol, which is an abortifacient and in large amounts can result in miscarriage.
Therapeutic use of Celery Seed is not recommended if you have low blood pressure or you are taking any type of blood thinners, diuretics and sedative, or taking medication for thyroid problems, sleep disorders, blood disorders, or kidney problems, as it may interfere with the effects of these medications.
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Celery Is Good For You
However you choose to enjoy them, theres no question that adding more vegetables like celery to your diet is a good thing for most of us. Celery itself is very nutritious, with many health benefits and minimal downsides. And seeing as its so easy to add to a number of recipes, you might just promote it to one of your kitchen staples.
Tell us in the comments:
- What do you think about celery?
- Have you ever had celery juice?
- What are your favorite ways to eat celery?
Celery And Carrot Juice For Arthritis
In this juice for arthritis, celery teams up with another very effective plant to treat arthritis and relieve pain. The humble carrot is here to help! This food is highly rich in Vitamin A, which significantly promotes the health of your joints and it also strengthens your immune system. If you combine both products, the result is an excellent juice to combat the symptoms of this horrible disease. To prepare this juice, you need the following ingredients:
- 5 medium carrots
- 3 stalks of celery
Wash and peel the carrots, chop off the ends and dispose of them. Then wash the celery stalks, remove any leaves and cut the stalks up into smaller chunks. Toss it all in a container or the blender and then process the mix.
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Fresh Juices For Arthritis Pain
Many of us, especially as we get older, experience the aches and pains of arthritis. Fortunately, there are several things we can do to help reduce the symptoms.
Achieving an ideal body weight can help reduce stress on joints, and in turn ease pain. You can also try eliminating nightshade-family vegetables , as these foods can often aggravate arthritis. If you have osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, try glucosamine sulfate, which has been shown to be very effective at a dosage of 1,500 mg per day.
The three fresh juice recipes below contain key ingredients to lessen arthritis pain.
Ginger: A Great Food for Arthritis Sufferers
Here is a powerful anti-inflammatory recipe.
1-inch slice of fresh turmeric or ginger1 cup blueberries1/4 pineapple with skin, sliced4 celery ribsJuice the turmeric, followed by the blueberries, pineapple, and celery.
Ginger HopperA classic drink to promote good health. It may also help to lower cholesterol.
1-inch slice of ginger1 apple, cut into wedges3 carrotsJuice the ginger, followed by the apple and carrots.
Pineapple-Ginger AleThis drink is absolutely delicious and packed full of therapeutic nutrients.
1-inch slice of ginger1/2 pineapple with skin, slicedJuice the ginger, then the pineapple.
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Are There Any Contraindications
Since the effects of celery seed extract have not been evaluated on pregnant women, it is generally recommended that it not be used during pregnancy or lactation. No other contraindications are presently known. I would advise as a precautionary recommendation that people taking the drug Coumadin be closely monitored by their physician when starting to use celery seed extract.
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Heres Why Celery Juice Is The Biggest Trend In Health And Wellness Right Now
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Acai, chia seeds and kaleit feels as if health experts are recommending a new superfood every day. So why not add celery juice to the list? It might feel slightly strange to of think this green vegetable, which you probably use in homemade soups or to dip into peanut butter or hummus as a superfood, but when juiced, it can be a true game changer for your health.
Celery Benefits Your Whole Body
With only seven calories and less than one gram of sugar per rib, celery juice is packed with nutrients including vitamin k, vitamin c, vitamin b6, folate and potassium. But thats just the beginning. There are so many conditions that celery juice can help manage.
Celery juice contains flavonoids, which are very powerful phytonutrients with antioxidant properties. While this is no way a cure for cancer, those who are prone to cancer may want to consider integrating celery juice into their diet.
If you have chronic joint paint or rheumatoid arthritis, drinking celery juice can help reduce symptoms because it is a natural anti-inflammatory.
Celery juice also improves liver function by increasing the production of enzymes.
Additionally, it helps fight infections because celery has antimicrobial properties, which boost the immune system.
If you are prone to UTIs or bladder infections, celery juice can be a lifesaver because it reduces uric acid and stimulates urine production.
Celery Juice Improves Digestion
How To Drink Celery Juice
Reducing Inflammation And Preventing Damage
A balanced, nutritious diet will give the body the tools it needs to prevent further damage to the joints, which is essential for people with osteoarthritis.
Some foods are known to reduce inflammation in the body, and following an anti-inflammatory diet can improve symptoms. Eating enough antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, may help to prevent further damage to the joints.
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Potential Downsides To Eating Celery
While including celery in your diet offers a lot of health benefits, there are some reasons you might want to exercise caution with it.
Celery is on the Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen list of the most pesticide-contaminated produce. Pesticides get absorbed through the bottom of the stalks, where it absorbs water. While that doesnt mean you should avoid it altogether , its one of those produce items you might want to buy organically if you can. At the very least, check out this article to see the best way to wash fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides.
The fiber in celery is insoluble, meaning that it isnt well digested by your digestive tract. In other words, it helps to move things right through your intestines. While getting enough insoluble fiber is a good idea for most people , there are instances in which getting too much could lead to diarrhea and loose stools.
Although quite rare, allergies to celery do exist. Most allergies are to celeriac root, with symptoms such as itchiness and swelling of the throat, lips, and tongue. And in the most severe cases, people with celery allergies may even experience anaphylactic shock. If you are one of the rare people who are allergic to this vegetable, then I dont care what the studies say about its health benefits dont eat it!
What Is The Proper Dosage
More than 100,000 people in Australia have now used this proprietary celery seed extract standardized at 85 percent 3nB without any reports of side effects. The current dosage recommendations, based on the information available from trials as well as clinical experience, are:
For the relief of joint and muscle pain : One tablet two to three times daily.
For gout: Two tablets twice daily. NOTE: Initial blood uric acid measurements may increase in people with gout as uric acid crystals begin to dissolve.
Study results indicate that as long as the celery seed extract is used, it keeps pain at bay. But if it is stopped, the pain tends to recur.
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It May Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease
Eating this crunchy veggie may be protective of your heart by improving common heart disease biomarkers. A 2009 study in rats found that, when given celery extract for 60 days, rats experienced a significant reduction in their blood lipids, including total cholesterol, LDL bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. Celery may also be able to lower your blood pressure, even though its fairly high in sodium a fascinating paradox. A mixture of celery juice and honey has been used in China for this purpose for a long time with success. In South Africa, celery juice mixed with vinegar is given to pregnant women to help them lower high blood pressure.