What to Do About Your Achy Creaky Bones and Joints
A common thread when I’m talking to people about natural health has to do with bone and joint problems, namely arthritis. Because a lot of my audience and sphere are 50+ years old so these issues are cropping up for a lot of us these days.
Unfortunately, we are products of a time when there wasn’t current knowledge about the ill effects that processed food and soda could have on our bodies. To us, it was just food. To a lot of us, it still is.
We also came of a time where the advances in medicine were exciting and we were programmed to pop a pill for every ill. Today the pharmaceutical companies are profiting heavily on the lack of information that our generation has about nutrition and natural health. Besides, since the 1950s or 60s we’ve been more and more removed from the nourishing foods that our grandmothers used to make and the simple ingredients that were used.
The good news is that you’re curious about natural health which is why you found yourself here, reading this today. You are becoming more empowered and it’s my hope that you will be sharing what you’re learning.
Earnings & Affiliate Disclaimer
When talking about pain from arthritis and joint issues there are many over-the-counter and pharmaceutical options. Consequently, most of these are not without negative side effects. So let’s look at the most common ones here:
Over the Counter and Pharmaceutical Drugs for Joint and Arthritis Pain
CORTICOSTEROID medications are used for arthritis pain(some such as prednisone and cortisone, reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.) Certainly, we need our immune systems operating functionally, and suppressing it is dangerous and unnecessary.
NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) Oral NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation, and some may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Even though they’re recommended for arthritis there’s evidence that NSAIDs contribute to high blood pressure. Additionally, there is compelling evidence showing that when taken for pain, this substance causes rebound pain after it wears off perpetuating a rinse and repeat environment for people to get relief.
ANALGESICS (such as acetaminophen and narcotics containing oxycodone and hydrocodone are a few of the chemicals in this class of drug that addresses pain but not inflammation.) For example, Acetaminophen or Tylenol is extremely toxic to the liver and responsible for many deaths. Even more ominous are Oxycodone and hydrocodone, belonging to the opioid family of medications. These substances are very addictive and should be avoided if at all possible. Probably not your best choice for arthritis.
So what should you do if you are suffering from joint and arthritis pain?
Clean Up Your Diet
Reduce or Eliminate Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates – Sugar increases inflammation in your body. Also, refined carbohydrates like bread and pasta turn to sugar during digestion and should be avoided as well.
Vegetable Oils – Replace corn & canola oil with healthy, anti-inflammatory omega-3 alternatives such as avocado oil, olive oil, nuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds. This is because vegetable oils oxidize easily and produce free radicals in the bloodstream increasing inflammation.
Dairy Products – The protein casein found in dairy products is problematic for many of you that are suffering from arthritis symptoms. To reduce symptoms from casein proteins you can try getting the bulk of your protein from vegetables like spinach, nut butter, tofu, beans, lentils, and quinoa.
Salt and Preservatives – Eating processed foods makes you vulnerable to excess salt and preservative intake. So read your labels carefully to keep your intake lower. Regular table salt has been bleached and stripped of important natural minerals. Try swapping it out for Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink salt of which the natural minerals are intact and available for your body. Educate yourself on the names of common preservatives to make sure you’re limiting these chemicals in your diet.
Alcohol and Tobacco – Smokers are at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in addition to numerous other health conditions. Alcohol consumption can lead to gout and other problems. Therefore, limit your alcohol intake to 1 drink a day for women and 2 a day for men.
Add Medicinal Teas to Your Diet
Turmeric, Ginger, and Cinnamon and a dash of Black Pepper – Put 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1/2 Tsp each of ginger & turmeric. Add a dash of black pepper. The black pepper helps the turmeric to uptake in the body. Steep for a few minutes and drink. This tea has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and even surpasses the relief you would get from ibuprofen.
Green, black, white, and oolong…. are all loaded with polyphenols which are plant-derived compounds that rev up your immune system and may protect your body from arthritis.
Try an Arthritis Tea Blend – Reduce Pain & Support Healthy Joints – Ingredients include Alfalfa, Burdock Root, Dandelion Leaf, Devil’s Claw
Walk More – 5 Ways to Get More Walking In
Be ready – keep some walking shoes close by to be ready if you find you have a little extra time on your hands.
Wear comfortable clothes – Loose fitting and comfortable is best so that when you’re walking you can move your arms and legs freely.
Learn something or listen to music when you’re walking – your favorite music, podcasts, books on tape and talk radio are all good options to enhance your walk.
Partner Up – Find someone to walk with. You’ll be accountable to one another and that will help you stay on track. Find walking buddies on neighborhood websites or your neighborhood recreation center.
Walk Indoors – During times of inclement weather, you can try walking in the mall or maybe join a gym for a little time on a treadmill.
Do Some Weight Bearing and Strength Training Exercise
Walking is considered a weight-bearing activity.
Yoga is a good weight-bearing exercise and also helps to increase your flexibility and balance.
Weight lifting – this doesn’t mean you need to become totally muscle-bound. Just that you create resistance and build some muscle strength. Weight training has been shown to increase bone density helping you to avoid osteoporosis.
All 3 of these activities are beneficial for those suffering from arthritis pain.
Supplementation
Take a good multivitamin, preferably sourced from plants.
Add a little coconut or MCT oil to your diet. These oils protect your brain and are good for overall health.
Vitamin D – This nutrient is crucial for good health, from keeping bones strong to preventing cancer.
Probiotics – Keeping your gut healthy is very important so that your intestines can do their jobs of utilizing the nutrients that you’re ingesting. Besides, information is available linking gut health to autoimmune disorders, of which arthritis is one.
Taking these simple steps should help you to get relief from some of your arthritis symptoms and you’ll notice improvements in other aspects of your health as well. You’ll probably enjoy better sleep, fewer food cravings and an overall sense of calm.
Move, nourish, love, live~
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I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. Always talk with your doctor or qualified health care professional before taking any herbal remedies to ensure safety, especially if you are already on medications. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare providers.