Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are the main two of almost hundred types of arthritis and arthritis-related diseases. Most of these diseases have in common the breakdown of the body’s joints, combined with crippling pain and disability. Even though there are different reasons for someone’s developing RA or lupus, some scientists and natural health enthusiasts believe that certain foods could be accountable for many of the problems experienced. Should you decide to use food to deal with serious diseases, consult first with your physician.
Ginger
Ginger is a culinary herb and a spice which has been used for hundreds of years for the treatment of inflammation in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Ginger could help reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles and relieve the pain connected with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, based on “The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook.” Add fresh ginger to your recipes as a seasoning, or make fresh ginger tea by preparing a 1-inch piece of ginger in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Strain, cool and add a spoonful of honey to sweeten. Ginger can thin the blood, so if you take blood-thinning medicines, speak to your physician before making use of it.
Pineapple
Pineapples are very high in the enzyme bromelain, which might decrease
inflammation and ease pain, stiffness, redness and swelling in the
joints of those struggling with lupus or RA, in accordance with the
University of Maryland Medical Center studies. Bromelain not only helps
decrease inflammation but in addition helps the body in the digestion of
protein. Bromelain supplements are as helpful as eating fresh pineapple
and may be made a lot more powerful by consuming them with turmeric
supplements, which also decreases inflammation. If you take them as
supplements, take in the bromelain between meals instead of with meals
to get the best results to decrease inflammation. If you like to eat
pineapple, choose only fresh fruits and eat the fruit or juice it to
obtain the most bromelain. Both bromelain and turmeric can thin the
blood, so speak to your health professional if you take blood-thinning
medicines before you begin these treatments.
Cherries
Raw, canned, cooked or in juice form, cherries have demostrated proof of
the ability to decrease the pain and inflammation in joints for people
struggling with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, according to the
University of Michigan Health System. The university reports that people
who ingested about 8 oz. or 20 cherries daily for several weeks
observed a substantial decrease in pain and related joint symptoms. Any
type of cherries will do the trick; however, most people believe that
sour cherries are more effective in reducing arthritis pain and
inflammation. Besides eating cherries, you can opt for drinking cherry
juice. Again, tart cherry juice is usually favored over black cherry
juice. Ensure the juice is unsweetened, or use cherry concentrate mixed
with water, suggests “The People’s Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal
Remedies.” Drinking two glasses daily during an acute attack may lessen
symptoms, then continue with one glass daily or alternate with 8 oz. of
fresh cherries for variety.