Here’s an overview of some effective natural methods to relieve arthritis symptoms.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, and it can significantly impact daily life. While conventional treatments like medications and physical therapy are essential in managing arthritis, many people are also turning to natural remedies to complement their treatment plans. These natural approaches can help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and promote overall joint health, often with fewer side effects than pharmaceutical options. Essence of Egypt’s clean, natural products’ can help in this.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The foods you eat can play a significant role in managing inflammation and alleviating arthritis pain. An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods that support joint health and reduce systemic inflammation.

Foods to include:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. The Omega-3s they contain may help ease the pain associated with arthritis and even help to reduce inflammation. Of note: There is much in the media about the terrible living conditions for the salmon reared on fish- farms in Scotland and Norway. Perhaps it would be best to research where the farmed-fish that you may purchase, are reared, and what conditions do they live in? Call to Action: If we all wrote to our supermarkets, asking the same question, surely they would sit up, take notice and do something about it? Suggested reading: Sixty Harvests Left: Written by Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming, this book opened our eyes. Is should be compulsory reading for every politician. Read our article – “If salmon has such terrific benefits to our skin, why are the Scottish and Norwegian fish farms in crisis?”
Fruits and vegetables: Berries, cherries, apples, leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower) are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that fight inflammation.
Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole wheat contain fibre, which can reduce markers of inflammation in the body.
Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocado, and nuts are where we can find and eat the monounsaturated fats that may help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Turmeric and ginger: Both of these spices have anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may inhibit inflammation pathways in the body. Ginger also has compounds that can reduce swelling and stiffness in the joints. Of Note: Despite the numerous adverts we have noticed in newspapers this year, the body is not able to dissolve curcumin because the particles cannot pass the “blood-brain barrier.” In simple terms, despite its benefits where research suggests that curcumin can help in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and anxiety. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and subsequent performance in active people. But it cannot get in to our system without our help. Some suggest that black pepper can aid the body to absorb it – and for this reason, we make our porridge with organic oats, soya milk, a dash of cinnamon and the same of turmeric powder. The placebo (psychological) effect of all of this would have some effect, we are sure, but we decide to dig deeper in our research. It’s here that we found that it is possible to buy curcumin in ‘nano-particle’ size such that it can pass the blood-brain barrier and actually do some help. If you would like more information on this, then send an email and we will be pleased to help.

Foods to avoid:

Refined sugars and processed foods: These can trigger inflammation and exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Sugar, in our opinion is a poison. It’s bad for the skin and our bodies. This article in the Observer https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/aug/24/robert-lustig-sugar-poison by Dr Robert Lustig is well-worth a read. According to Lustig, “The industry cannot be allowed to make money by making people sick.”
Trans fats: Found in many processed foods and margarine, these fats’ are known to promote inflammation.
Nightshades: Some individuals with arthritis report increased symptoms when eating nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplant, though this varies by person.

Supplements for Joint Health

We have caution when it comes to taking supplements. Certain of them are known to support joint function, reduce pain, and fight inflammation, and can be particularly beneficial for those with arthritis.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds have been written about often. We tried them. They did not help reduce joint pain or improve mobility. Turmeric (Curcumin): As mentioned, curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties. See above.
Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements are known to reduce joint inflammation and stiffness. Taking fish oil daily may help manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Of Note: In our office, we use Virgin Alaskan salmon oil, and Norwegian cod-liver oil every day. We buy from sources that we trust, on the basis that the fish are swimming in cleaner water, and certainly not in in a fish-farm. If you would like to know more about this, then please send us an email (go to contact us page).
Boswellia: Derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, this herbal supplement has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It’s the major component of the plant-based Frankincense essential oil that we use in Joint Ease.

Physical Activity and Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential for managing arthritis and improving joint function. It helps maintain muscle strength, reduce stiffness, and enhance flexibility, all of which can help alleviate pain and prevent further damage to the joints.

Low-impact exercises: Swimming, cycling, walking, and yoga are excellent options for people with arthritis because they put less strain on the joints while promoting circulation and mobility.
Strength training: Building muscle strength can help support the joints and reduce the burden on them, which may relieve pain.
Stretching: Gentle stretching exercises can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Consider incorporating Qigong into your routine, which focusses on slow movements and stretching to enhance joint function.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, particularly if you have severe arthritis or other medical conditions.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to the affected area can provide immediate relief from arthritis symptoms.

Heat therapy: Applying a warm compress, heating pad, or taking a warm bath can help relax stiff muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce pain. Heat is particularly helpful for morning stiffness in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Cold therapy: Cold packs or ice can help reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain. Cold therapy is particularly effective for acute flare-ups or swollen joints.

Tip: Alternating between hot and cold therapies may offer additional relief, as it encourages blood flow and helps soothe inflamed tissues.

Mind-Body Techniques

Chronic pain, like that caused by arthritis, can have both physical and emotional impacts. Managing the emotional aspects of pain can improve overall well-being and help with pain relief.

Meditation and mindfulness: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help reduce the perception of pain. Mindfulness meditation encourages focusing on the present moment and distancing oneself from the negative emotions that often accompany pain.
Visualisation: This is a form of therapy that helps people change their thought patterns related to pain and stress. It has been shown to be effective for improving pain management and overall quality of life for people with chronic conditions like arthritis. In the US, it is a science that has been adopted by the medical profession. In the UK, we tend to shun it, and indeed anything to do with integrated medicine.
Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. Many people find relief from arthritis pain through acupuncture, as it is thought to stimulate the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms and improve energy flow.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may help with arthritis pain. Essential oils can be applied topically (when diluted with a carrier lotion) as you will find in every Essence of Egypt product.

Lavender oil: Known for its calming effects, lavender may help reduce stress and ease joint pain.
Peppermint oil: Peppermint has a cooling effect that can relieve pain and inflammation when applied topically. We use it sparingly.
Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful for soothing swollen joints.

Tip: Always perform a patch test before applying an essential oil product to the skin to ensure there is no allergic reaction.

Mindful Lifestyle Choices

In addition to dietary changes, exercise, and natural remedies, adopting a mindful lifestyle can make a big difference in managing arthritis. This includes staying hydrated, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight can exacerbate arthritis symptoms by putting additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. Last but not least is attitude. You must have grit and determination to overcome your problem, or at the very least to make it manageable.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a challenging condition, but there are many natural ways to help manage its symptoms and improve overall quality of life. By adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, taking targeted supplements, staying physically active, and exploring therapies like heat/cold treatment and essential oils, people with arthritis can find relief without relying solely on medications. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your arthritis treatment plan.

With a holistic approach that combines these natural remedies with traditional treatments, it’s possible to live a full, active life despite arthritis.