Foods & Supplements to Combat Arthritis and Inflammation
Those cold days of winter aren’t that far off…and the cold brings more aching of the body!
Here is a quick reference guide: Common Forms of Arthritis and Related conditions
We carry quite a few great products that can assist you in the battle against arthritis and inflammation. I will ALWAYS suggest the Bioflex Laser for any and all types of Arthritis every single time! If you could see the results that we get to see using this laser, you wouldn’t hesitate to book in for a few treatments when you are suffering with joint pain/swelling! Amanda is going to an advanced training in Vancouver specifically for knee treatment at the end of September. We are always taking in new techniques and advanced training when it comes available to better help our clients!
In conjunction to the laser, a daily addition of natural anti-inflammatory supplements are always beneficial. Some of our most notable ones are:
- Pro Osteo- liquid or pill form.
- ART-GEM G-2
- Pro Collagen
- Pro GLS (Chondroitin sulfate, Glucosamine sulfate, Shark cartilage, Yucca)
- Calcium/Magnesium
- ART w/devils claw
- NutraFlex
- Serrapeptase 120,000
- ArtiSap
- R-34
- DepuraSap
- Vitis Vinefera G-47 (Stops articular deformations, rheumatoid arthritis, acute & Chronic inflammation, knee arthritis)
- Neo40 (for all over vascular and inflammatory use!)
- Oriental Elixir Turmeric
Did you know that many people with Arthritis have high levels of Copper and Iron in their bodies? Foods like Cilantro or the supplement Protox are highly beneficial in removing those heavy metals!
Foods that you can include to help your body fight inflammation:
- Pineapple: has the enzyme Bromelain. Bromelain is excellent for reducing inflammation!
- Tart Red Cherries: 20 fresh or frozen a day to reduce swelling. We also carry the pill form.
- Sulfur-containing foods, such as asparagus, eggs, garlic, and onions. Sulfur is needed for the repair and rebuilding of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue, and it also aids in the absorption of calcium.
- Green leafy vegetables, which supply Vitamin K, nonacidic fresh fruits, brown rice, fish and avocados can also be included in your foods to reduce inflammation!
- Turmeric (liquid form is best utilized in the body)
- Willow bark is good for pain and inflammation
- Ginger is a powerful antioxidant and has the active component Gingerol, which inhibits pain-producing prostaglandins.
- Nettle Leaf brings down inflammation. The extract inhibits TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, which are pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. TNF is prominent in triggering inflammation and IL is involved in cartilage and bone destruction. The prescription drug etanercept (Enbril), prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis, acts by suppressing the TNF-alpha.
- Alfalfa, a much-forgotten herb, contains all the minerals essential for bone formation, and may be helpful for arthritis. Kelp also contains essential minerals and is good for thyroid function.
- Garlic helps inhibit the formation of free radicals, which can damage the joints.
- Cayenne or capsicum contain a compound called capsaicin that relieves pain, apparently by inhibiting the release of Substance P, a neurotransmitter responsible for the communicating pain sensations. Capsaicin can be absorbed through the skin. Mix cayenne powder with enough wintergreen oil to make a paste and apply it to painful joints, or use cayenne peppers in a poultice.
- A good quality Vitamin D3 supplement! At least 3000 IU daily…more in winter or if you do not go outdoors regularly or use a lot of sunscreen.
Foods to AVOID if you suffer from Arthritis:
***Nightshade Vegetables (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, white potatoes) these foods contain a substance called solanine, to which some people, particularly those suffering from arthritis, are highly sensitive. Solanine interferes with enzymes in the muscles, and may cause pain and discomfort.
*****Water…Water…Water…I cannot stress this enough!!! Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty!!
Gout
Gout is a disease that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, tenderness, redness, warmth and swelling in some joints. It usually affects one joint at a time, especially the joint of the big toe. Needle-shaped uric acid crystals that precipitate out of the blood are deposited in the joint and cause the pain and swelling associated with gout. In people with gout, the body does not produce enough of the digestive enzyme uricase, which oxidizes relatively insoluble uric acid into a highly soluble compound. Factors leading to increased levels of uric acid and then gout include, obesity, improper diet, overeating, stress, surgery, joint injury, excessive alcohol intake, hypertension, kidney disease and certain drugs.
Bursitis, Tendinitis and Myofascial Pain
Bursitis, tendinitis and myofascial pain are localized, nonsystemic (not affecting the entire body) painful conditions. Bursitis is inflammation of the sac surrounding any joint that contains a lubricating fluid. Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, and myofascial pain is a problem that results from the strain or improper use of muscle. These conditions may start suddenly and usually stop within a matter of days or weeks.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis rarely develops before the age of forty, but it affects nearly everyone past the age of sixty. Nearly three times as many women as men have it and, at present, 27 million Americans, most over the age of 45, are affected. Preciously known as “degenerative joint disease,” osteoarthritis results from the “wear and tear” of life. Other risk factors include joint trauma, obesity and repetitive joint use. The simple effect of gravity causes physical damage to the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, tenderness, swelling and decreased function. Initially osteoarthritis is non inflammatory and it may be so milk that a person is unaware of it until it appears on an x-ray. Usually, only one or two joints are affected, most often the knee, hip and hand. Pain is the earliest symptom, usually exacerbated by repetitive use.
