GO ALKALINE TO NEUTRALIZE ACID PAIN

Acidic foods like tomato, citrus fruits, fruit juices and red meats can make the pain of arthritis worse from the build up of acid crystals in the joints. Push for high-alkaline or neutral foods instead, like green vegetables, eggs, dairy produce and water.

EASE PAIN WITH PINEAPPLE

Pineapple has been shown to suppress inflammation and boost bone health[2], thus improving joint pain in arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be due to its high bromelain content.

BOTH HANDS FOR LIGHT LIFTING

Using both of your hands rather than just one when lifting frying pans, pouring water from a kettle or jug, and carrying heavy household items eases the stress and strain that is caused by friction on joints and it can as a result reduce the effects of pain and discomfort.

GET A JELLY GOOD CURE

A daily supplement containing gelatin, which has unique physical and chemical properties that enable it to reverse the effects of arthritis[3], can help ease arthritis symptoms significantly after three months of taking it.

STEER CLEAR OF SAUCES

Condiments and sauces like mustard, mayonnaise and vinegar can disrupt the pH of the body, turning it acidic and causing more pain to arthritic joints. Use natural yogurt as a garnish or opt for tomato-based sauces.

GO LARGE FOR A BETTER GRIP

If you suffer from the problems associated with arthritis, of the hands, life in the kitchen will be far easier if you choose gadgets and equipment fitted with large handles. Alternatively, wrap tape or foam around skinny handles so they are easier on your hands when you grip them.

LEVER YOURSELF TO FREEDOM

If you have a weak grip, rather than struggling with hard-to-turn taps (faucets), why not fit levers? These will make your life much easier, as you will have to exert far less strength to turn them on and off. You could also replace doorknobs with levers to help you with doors.

SOAK AWAY PAIN

Morning baths in warm water, or soaks for feet and hands, can help to ease -pain from arthritic joints[4], which is often worse first thing. A good soak for at least ten minutes will reap maximum benefits.

GO ELECTRIC FOR TIP-TOP TEETH

An electric-toothbrush makes it easier to maintain dental health despite difficulty gripping with arthritic hand joints.

TAKE UP TAI CHI FOR FLEXIBILITY

The ancient chinese art of  Tai Chi has been shown to reduce both the effects of arthritis[5] and the distress caused by stiff painful joints. Practicing at least two or three times a week is most beneficial.

STEP OUT AND STRETCH OUT

Regular walking, light weightlifting and stretching can reduce the pain from arthritis by up to a third. Aim for 20-30 minutes of exercising every day, mixing it up for maximum pain relief.

CURRY FLAVOR TO STOP SWELLING

Curries that contain high levels of the herb turmeric contain curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory that can help alleviate pain and swelling. If you don’t fancy the hot stuff, supplements are also available.

DROP A SIZE TO BE KNEE WISE

According to experts, being overweight is such a danger to joints that losing as little as 5 kg (11 lb) may cut the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%.

RUE THE RHUBARB

Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which inhibits your body’s ability to absorb calcium and iron from other foods. It can aggravate arthritis and may even cause an attack if eaten to excess.

We hope that this article helps you manage arthritis pain better. If found it useful, share it with others so that they can also fight arthritis better. 🙂

References:

[1] Francis J. Keefe, Tamara J. Somers, Lynn M. Martire. Psychological Interventions and Lifestyle Modifications for Arthritis Pain Management. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2008 May; 34(2): 351–368. doi:  10.1016/j.rdc.2008.03.001. PMCID: PMC2603303. NIHMSID: NIHMS65524.

[2] Charles T Price,* Joshua R Langford, Frank A Liporace. Essential Nutrients for Bone Health and a Review of their Availability in the Average North American Diet. Open Orthop J. 2012; 6: 143–149. Published online 2012 April 5. doi:  10.2174/1874325001206010143. PMCID: PMC3330619.

[3] Johns Hopkins Med Lett Health After 50. 1998 Aug;10(6):8. Alleviating arthritis. Can gelatin promote joint health? [No authors listed]. PMID: 9680869;

[4] Huayue Chen, Shizuko Shoumura, Shoichi Emura, Hideo Isono. Tibetan Medicated-Bath Therapy may Improve Adjuvant Arthritis in Rat. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 June; 6(2): 211–217. Published online 2007 November 12. doi:  10.1093/ecam/nem083. PMCID: PMC2686631.

[5] Han A, Robinson V, Judd M, Taixiang W, Wells G, Tugwell P. Tai chi for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD004849.