Pineapple: This Fruits Enzymes Can Decrease Swelling
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which has been linked to decreased pain and swelling in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Sandon says. So, add this tropical fruit to your diet every chance you get. Try it cubed in fruit salad, baked in savory dishes, blended into a smoothie, or added to stir-fries to give a sweet-and-sour zing.
Bromelain is also available in supplement form, but check with your doctor before taking it because it can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners such as Plavix , Coumadin, or aspirin. Bromelain may also interfere with the action of antibiotics and sedatives.
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What Are The Symptoms
RA sufferers are familiar with the severity of the pain associated with stiff and sore joints. Some describe it as having sprained all the joints in their bodies at once. Now imagine that with simultaneous fatigue, appetite loss, and feeling feverish, and you can easily envision how they are apt to feel downright lousy. Then to add insult to injury, some suffer through those episodes it for years and years. The most common signs and symptoms are:
* Swollen joints* Pain and stiffness in the joints, especially after periods of inactivity * Extreme fatigue
Even though RA is not life threatening, you will feel pretty miserable. And thats no way to live your life. Youll be searching for relief and relief that works.
What Does A Good Pineapple Look Like
When searching for just-right pineapple ripeness, look for:
- Golden color: A bright orange pineapple is overripe and past its prime a green one is unripe. Look for one that has a consistent golden color.
- Large eyes: Those little knots on the skin give you a clue about whats inside. Look for larger knots, which mean the fruit had time to ripen on the tree.
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How To Treat Arthritis Pain Without Medication
What is arthritis?
Arthritis can sometimes serve as a bit of an umbrella term. It is used to describe over 100 different types of joint pain and joint disease experienced by millions of people. It is true that arthritis seems to favor the elderly, as it becomes more apparent in people as they age however, it is possible for people to experience arthritis in their early middle age.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, it actually has a higher probability of affecting elite male athletes than the rest of the general public. It states that about 30 percent of elite male athletes who engage in contact sports will develop arthritis in the knees and hips, due to the wear and tear that the overexertion has on their joints. They are also more likely to be at risk for arthritis later in life.
Talk To Your Doctor About A Knee Brace
Often a knee brace can help. Theres evidence to show that even a simple compression sleeve can decrease pain, says Dr. Day. These are a good way to start because you can get one at the drugstore.
You can also talk to your doctor about a more customized unloader brace. These take pressure off a portion of the joint. The brace thats right for you will depend on the severity and location of arthritis, whether primarily in the inner or outer side of the joint or in the kneecap.
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Foods High In Purines
For people who have gout, a doctor may advise a low purine diet combined with the medication.
Purines are substances in foods that the body converts to uric acid. Uric acid can build up in the bloodstream, causing a gout attack. According to the , the following foods are high in purines:
- red meat
What a person eats can help:
Usually, inflammation protects the body from harm by helping defend against bacteria and aiding wound healing. However, when inflammation persists for an extended period, chronic symptoms can develop.
What a person eats has an impact on inflammation levels. Some foods are inflammatory, and others are anti-inflammatory.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, numerous studies show that anti-inflammatory foods can reduce arthritis pain and progression.
A persons body weight also influences inflammation levels. Fat cells produce cytokines, which are immune cells that increase inflammation.A person can use diet to maintain a moderate weight, which may help with inflammation and also reduce pressure on the joints.
Finally, some types of arthritis have specific trigger foods. For example, foods that are high in purines
Consuming the following foods may benefit people with arthritis.
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Avocado And Soybean Oil To Relieve Arthritis Pain
The pain of arthritis is very common. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons for people to see a doctor and certainly one of the most common reasons to go onto disability. There is no cure for arthritis at this time, but there are a number of medications to treat symptoms. Most medications have side effects however and often cannot be used for arthritis pain.
There are a variety of natural supplements that can be taken for arthritis pain. Most supplements have decent science behind their use. One should remember however, that supplements or medication work best to treat arthritis pain with a program for weight loss and exercise too. Low-impact aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to treat and beat the pain of arthritis.
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The Role Physical Therapy Plays In The Process
Physical therapy is definitely beneficial. Improving range of motion and strength in the knee are helpful, but physical therapy for knee osteoarthritis has a large focus on strengthening the hips, explains Dr. Day.
Weak hips put more pressure on the knees. If your hips are strong, when you get up from a chair or go up and down stairs your knees have less work to do.
Everyone with knee osteoarthritis should consult a physical therapist, according to Dr. Day. Not only will you be taught the right kinds of exercises, a physical therapist also provides valuable instruction about using assistive devices and modifying activities to reduce pain.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Non
NSAID painkillers can relieve pain in the joints. Examples of these drugs include:
- celecoxib
Research has found that they relieve symptoms in about 15 out of 100 people.
The possible side effects of anti-inflammatory painkillers include:
- An upset stomach: in about 3 out of 100 people.
- Ulcers and bleeding in the stomach: in up to 2 out of 100 people who take NSAIDs for a year.
- Cardiovascular disease: in up to 1 out of 100 people who take NSAIDs for a year.
The risk of side effects and complications will depend on various factors, such as the exact medication and dose used. Celecoxib and etoricoxib are less likely to cause stomach problems than other NSAIDs are.
With the exception of acetylsalicylic acid , NSAIDs can somewhat increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks. This risk is lowest when using naproxen, so naproxen is the most suitable NSAID for people who have both rheumatoid arthritis and a cardiovascular disease.
When used over the long term, NSAIDs can lead to stomach ulcers. These are usually felt as a pain in the upper abdomen. The pain is particularly noticeable just after eating, when the stomach produces more acid. Sometimes stomach ulcers don’t cause any symptoms, and people only find out that they have one if they have serious complications such as bleeding in the stomach.
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How Will Physical Therapy Help Me
A physical therapists main goal when treating arthritis is reducing stress on the joints, increasing strength, and preserving range of motion. Some benefits to working with a physical therapists include:
- Weight control. Your physical therapist will work with you to control your weight through exercise and diet. Controlling your weight helps to prevent added stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Proper posture. Posture work will help to reduce stress on your joints.
- Stretching/exercise. Light exercises and stretching will help to increase the range of motion in the affected areas.
- Rest. Your therapist will also recommend a schedule for rest and sleep to complement your exercises. This helps the body to heal and will hopefully reduce your amount of arthritic inflammation and pain.
Every treatment regimen is different based on your bodys needs and your particular type of arthritis. The best way to get started on a natural, safe, and healthy treatment through physical therapy is by calling and scheduling a consultation with one of our physical therapists today. Well get you feeling comfortable and pain-free after just a few short sessions!
How Is Arthritis Treated
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, your age, and your general health. It will also depend on how what type of arthritis you have, and how severe the condition is. A treatment plan is tailored to each person with his or her health care provider.
There is no cure for arthritis. The goal of treatment is often to limit pain and inflammation, and help ensure joint function. Treatment plans often use both short-term and long-term methods.
Short-term treatments include:
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Medications. Short-term relief for pain and inflammation may include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
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Heat and cold. Pain may be eased by using moist heat or dry heat on the joint. Pain and swelling may be eased with cold on the joint.
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Joint immobilization. The use of a splint or brace can help a joint rest and protect it from further injury.
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Massage. The light massage of painful muscles may increase blood flow and bring warmth to the muscle.
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation . Pain may be reduced with the use of a TENS device. The device sends mild, electrical pulses to nerve endings in the painful area. This blocks pain signals to the brain and changes pain perception.
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Acupuncture. This is the use of thin needles that are inserted at specific points in the body. It may stimulate the release of natural, pain-relieving chemicals made by the nervous system. The procedure is done by a licensed health care provider.
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How To Enjoy Pineapple
Pineapple is a standalone snack once its cut into ring-shaped slices or chunks. But if you want to avoid cutting it, many grocery stores offer pre-cut pineapple. Frozen and canned pineapple are good options, too.
Choose canned pineapple packed in its juice, not syrup, Zumpano says. Pineapple is sweet enough on its own, so skip the added sugar when you can.
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It Is Effective In Reducing Pain
A study published in Phytomedicine in 2002 investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of bromelain.
At the end of the study period, it was seen that bromelain has a positive effect in reducing the acute knee pain, swelling, and stiffness.
It also improved the function of the joints which enhanced the overall physical and psychological well-being of the patients.
In another study by Majeeb and Borole in the International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences in 2015 evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of pineapple juice in arthritis in animal models.
In the control group, there was no reduction in swelling whereas in the treatment group that was given pineapple juice, a significant reduction in swelling was observed.
What does this mean? Bromelain found in pineapple is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and helps in reducing pain in arthritis. It can be used as a dietary supplement and replace the other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Pineapple juice may contribute to a stronger immune system.
Test-tube studies suggest that bromelain, a mixture of enzymes naturally found in pineapple juice, may activate the immune system (
However, most of these studies are dated, and none have examined the immunity-boosting effects of pineapple juice in humans. Therefore, more research is needed to confirm these results.
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Protection And Health Support
Whether you are over the hill or exercising your way up one, pineapples offer great benefits for the present and future:
6. Prevent injuries and improve recovery
The boost to your immune system and the ability to control inflammation make pineapples a natural option for speeding up recovery from injury and exercise.
Whether you have an injury that requires surgery or you regularly exercise at intense intervals, the outcome is the same. Your tissues are inflamed, and pineapple is a natural anti-inflammatory resource.
Strenuous exercise and surgery both cause damage to muscles, and pineapple compounds help to relieve the associated inflammation, and allow for a speedier recovery. As a supplement or eaten as part of your regular diet, the important thing to remember is that bromelain from pineapples helps to care for and heal muscles.
7. A powerful antioxidant
Oxidative damage occurs as a result of your bodys metabolic processes. Molecules known as free radicals are produced and, if left unchecked, can damage cells and tissues.
Oxidative damage triggers inflammation and weakens your immune system, a combination that can lead to the development of serious diseases. Pineapple is a good provider of antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, which combat these potentially harmful molecules.
So Whats The Overarching Verdict So Far
Ambivalent at best. It will be very difficult and time consuming to eat enough ginger, green tea, black pepper, etc. to truly alleviate your RA symptoms in the most optimal way. By the time you ate enough cinnamon stiff joints might not be your only concern anymore. So, now what?
7. Lab Grade Turmeric + Lab Grade Boswellia SerrataThe combination of these trusted remedies is a ONE-TWO PUNCHYouve probably used turmeric while cooking before its a yellow spice that most people associate with curry dishes. Know what it reminds RA sufferers of? Relief. Its true that turmeric is another anti-inflammatory agent. But, what makes this remedy a little different is that youre not just ingesting turmeric. Its the lab grade organic turmeric CO2 extraction that is the key player here. Were talking about the extraction of pure turmeric into a pill or oil form.
Know whats great about this? You dont have to worry about the dosage of eating a bunch of curry. You can take a pill or rub some oil that has the optimal dose for relief of your RA pain. In its un-extracted form, were talking about the spice, the herb. The same thing you flavor your dishes with. And, truthfully, in this capacity, it probably has similar effectiveness to the other six natural remedies mentioned above. With CO2 extraction though, youre extracting the most pure form of turmeric , to aid in your relief.
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Avocado For Osteoarthritis: Can It Help
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis which mainly occurs because of aging or any injury to the bone where there is destruction in the cartilage tissue.
It is therefore described as wear and tear arthritis.
Main symptoms of this disease include pain, joint inflammation, stiffness, and swelling. It mainly affects people in their older age.
Reports have shown that arthritis affects 52.5 million U.S adults which means more than 1 in 5, thus becoming the most common disease in this country.
Researchers have proved that some foods and their supplements have a strong effect in minimizing the symptom of joint-related health problems such as in osteoarthritis patients.
It is suggested that diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients and omega 3 fatty acids whereas bright coloured fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids and antioxidants have shown considerable effects in reducing the pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis And hence play promising role as a part of dietary treatment in osteoarthritis.
Can Diet Help Treat Arthritis
Research suggests that following an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. A healthy diet can also lead to weight loss, which reduces stress and strain on joints. Gout, a form of metabolic arthritis, can be relieved by avoiding purines that can trigger gout flares.
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May Help Your Digestion
The enzymes in pineapple juice function as proteases. Proteases help break down protein into smaller subunits, such as amino acids and small peptides, which can then be more easily absorbed in your gut .
Bromelain, a group of enzymes in pineapple juice, may particularly help improve digestion in people whose pancreas cannot make enough digestive enzymes a medical condition known as pancreatic insufficiency .
Animal research suggests that bromelain may also help protect your gut from harmful, diarrhea-causing bacteria, such as E. coli and V. cholera .
Moreover, according to some test-tube research, bromelain may help reduce gut inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disorders, such as Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis .
That said, most studies have investigated the effect of concentrated doses of bromelain, rather than that of pineapple juice, and very few were conducted in humans. Therefore, more research is needed.
Summary
The bromelain in pineapple juice may aid digestion, guard against harmful, diarrhea-causing bacteria, and reduce inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disorders. However, more research is needed.
What Are The Best Medicines For Arthritis Pain
As there are hundreds of choices available in the market, choosing the best medicines for arthritis pain can be quite tricky. To help you out, here are five of the most popular and well-loved products you will find on and offline.
- Penetrex Pain Relief Therapy
- PRIMAL Joint Support and Anti-Inflammatory Joint Support Soft Capsules
- Our rating
- Aleve Easy Open Arthritis Caplets
- Our rating
Overview:
This is an all-natural product that has ingredients like turmeric, ginger, boswellia, and vitamin D. It also has Celadrin. PRIMAL likewise boasts of minerals like zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese, which are essential for natural health and protection.
It is gluten, wheat, and dairy-free and does not contain artificial ingredients, fillers, and binders.
PRIMAL works two ways: reducing and preventing inflammation and improving your well-being and overall health.
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