(NaturalNews) We are a society deeply familiar with joint pain. Nearly 50 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis or a similar rheumatic condition, and countless others experience general joint pain on a regular basis. Conventional medicine offers minimal relief for joint pain, but natural wisdom teaches us that there is hope beyond pharmaceutical drugs. Lifestyle changes and dietary habits can have a profound effect on joint pain. Simple remedies like a daily regimen of apple cider vinegar can also work to naturally ease pain in the joints.
The Science Behind the Folk Remedy
With a history rooted in folk medicine, apple cider vinegar is brushed aside by many members of the medical field. Naturopathic doctors and other natural health enthusiasts, however, sing nothing but praises when it comes to this traditional remedy. Apple cider vinegar offers the body a variety of benefits, many of which work together to help relieve joint pain.
Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. Mineral deficiency can worsen joint pain, so a diet rich in essential minerals is an important step to relieving the pain of arthritis. The potassium in cider vinegar may be especially beneficial because it works to prevent calcium build-up in the joints, which is linked to joint stiffness.
Raw, unprocessed apple cider vinegar is also rich in beneficial enzymes and acids that improve digestive health. Taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before a meal will encourage proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. This is vitally important for those with arthritis, a condition which is connected to poor digestion that can lead to deficiencies in minerals and other nutrients. These nutrients are crucial for joint health, so it is imperative that the body be capable of absorbing and using them. With apple cider vinegar, this is made possible even if you have arthritis.
Experts suggest that joint pain and arthritis may be linked to toxins accumulating in the joints, since metabolic waste is often stored in connective tissues. At the same time, people with joint pain tend to shun activities that might trigger more pain, and the lack of movement may cause toxins to build-up even more. The pectin in apple cider vinegar helps absorb toxins and move them out of the system, while the acids in cider vinegar work to purify and detoxify the entire body.
How to Use Apple Cider to Relieve Joint Pain
All of the benefits of apple cider vinegar can only be achieved with vinegar that is organic, raw, unfiltered and unprocessed. Your apple cider vinegar should be ruddy-colored with a noticeable amount of residue floating around in the bottle. This is the "mother," the natural accumulation of beneficial enzymes and nutrients. Apple cider vinegar in any other form, including pills, is inferior and much less effective.
The simplest way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet is to mix 1-3 teaspoons in eight ounces of water three times per day, preferably just before meals. You can sweeten the drink with a small amount of honey or stevia if you like.
For those who suffer from joint pain, apple cider vinegar can also be used topically to relieve pain. You can make a relaxing foot or hand soak using one cup of apple cider vinegar with six cups of warm water. Or you can mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of coconut or olive oil for a soothing ointment to rub directly on your joints.
For More Information:
Rubin, Jordan and Brasco, Joseph. (2007) The Great Physician's Rx for Arthritis. Published by Thomas Nelson.
Martin, Raquel and Romano, Karen J. (2000) Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally. Published by Inner Traditions International.
Mindell, Earl. (2002) Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar. Published by the McGraw-Hill Companies.
About the author
Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer specializing in health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent modern disease. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health and wellness. You can visit her blog to learn more: www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2009/10/welcome.html
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