Nature's Helpers for Arthritis Pain and Inflammation

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Nature provides us with many alternatives to the prescription drugs used to relieve pain and inflammation. With all of the bad news about drugs such as Vioxx and Celebrex, it would be wise to adopt a more anti-inflammatory diet.

The first thing to consider is the PH balance of your body. Like all things in nature, we are composed of complex systems, which thrive at peak level when balanced.

All disease comes from the same root cause – too much acid waste in the body. When your body is overly acidic you will create a state of inflammation, “Fire Within”, and the acid waste will attack the joints, tissues, muscles, organs and glands.

The Standard American Diet is indeed S.A.D. – the foods are overly processed and adulterated, and keep us in a state of over-acidity (hence, the “purple pill”). We need to adapt a more natural diet, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables of all textures and colors. Try to eat a Rainbow every day. Avoid meats, especially when they are processed - i.e. bacon, lunchmeats, sausage, etc. They are extremely acidic and very hard to digest.

It is important to chew your food 25 to 30 times before swallowing. You have a digestive enzyme called ptyalin that can turn acidic foods into more alkaline ones if chewed properly. Also, avoid drinking with meals because the fluids can dilute the stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

Some of my favorite foods and herbs for pain include:

• healthy fats, such as olive oil, fish oil, flax seeds and oil, sesame, and all other seeds and nuts in moderation.
• healthy spices, particularly ginger, turmeric, cayenne and cinnamon
• healthy fruits, including lemons, cherries, apples, grapes, pineapple and papaya
• vegetables of all types - green, leafy ones like spinach can neutralize and help to balance acidity. The various colors and textures of vegetables help circulation, protect cells from damage, promote elasticity in veins, arteries and capillaries and support nerves and muscles.
• raw apple-cider vinegar and raw honey, used for years to aid in digestion and ease pain
• Helpful herbs include alfalfa (“King of Foods”), yucca, devil’s claw, white willow, aloe vera, chamomile, green tea and celery seed.

Try adding all or, at least, some of these to your daily health regime.

It is also important to drink lots of fresh water. Divide your body weight in half and drink that many ounces daily, and add lemon for potassium and to neutralize acidity.

There are also many safe, natural vitamin supplements and topical creams and ointments which provide effective treatment when combined with proper diet and exercise. Some of our favorites include Zyflamend, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM Joint Function cream.

There are many choices for every situation. Mother Nature has been very, very good to us. We should listen and respond.

Good Luck and Love,

Susan