(NaturalNews) Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, which troubles nearly 350 million people worldwide. It can be caused by overuse or by the build up of toxins, such as uric acid. Natural treatments for arthritis can relieve suffering and pain in the joints for many people. Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can be hereditary. Injury can trigger arthritis, as can metabolic disorders, such as gout. Gout mainly attacks the foot joints, but the upper extremities can also be involved.
Low protein diets that are high in complex carbohydrates are advised, along with avoiding foods that are known to cause inflammation. The most important foods to avoid are dairy, and for many people, wheat. Coffee can cause an immune response in some people, and avoiding tobacco is recommended as well. Exercise that does not stress the joints helps to remove toxins from building up. Weight loss is an important factor for some, as reducing the weight carried on the joint relieves pressure and speeds the flow of blood to the area, which brings healing relief.
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a treatment for arthritis sufferers. Take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and add to one cup of warm or cold water and sip with each meal. Three times a day is best. If you can include the "mother" in your drink, even better. The mother is the dark substance that ferments the cider into vinegar and usually rests on the bottom of a jar of unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar.
Turmeric is a spice that has shown anti-inflammatory properties. Put a quarter of a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of water and sip. You can even gargle with turmeric. Indian food contains turmeric, so eating curry can relieve symptoms of arthritis for some.
Cayenne pepper, known as capsicum, is the only pepper that is not an irritant to tissues. It binds and acts as a healing agent. Cayenne can be applied externally, mixed with water, to reduce the inflammation of arthritis.
Molasses is one of the old-time, folk remedies for arthritis. Containing a lot of iron, molasses has also been used to treat anemia. A spoon of molasses a day stirred into warm water and consumed first thing in the morning relieves arthritis symptoms naturally for many.
Omega-3 fatty acids help provide nutrition to the joints. Natural sources of Omega-3s are fatty fish, such as mackerel, herring, and salmon. Vegetable sources include flax seeds and walnuts.
http://www.drweil.com/http://www.arthritis.org/http://www.medicinenet.com/arthritis/article.htmAbout the author
Melanie Grimes is a writer, award-winning screenwriter, medical journal editor, and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr University. She also teaches homeopathy at the Seattle School of Homeopathy and the American Homeopathic Medical College.
A trained homeopath, she is the editor of the homeopathic journal, Simillimum, and has edited alternative and integrative medical journals for 15 years. She has taught creative writing, founded the first Birkenstock store in the USA and authored medical textbooks.
Her ebook on Natural Remedies for the Flu is available at:
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