Do you reach for the Ibuprofen when your joint pain first flares up? You should probably consider natural remedies, especially if you're concerned about side effects or interactions with other drugs. Here are 5 natural remedies to fight inflammation and relieve your pain.
NUTRITIONAL REMEDIES FOR JOINT PAIN
We blogged about this important tool to fight inflammation (Top 9 Natural Inflammation Fighters), because nutrition is one of the most important weapons in your arsenal. You need to pay attention not only to those foods you should avoid, but as importantly to those foods that fight inflammation. Additionally and probably obviously, adequate hydration is also critical. Electrolytes including sodium and potassium assist the body fight inflammation (sodium supplies nutrients and water to cells, while potassium assists in flushing toxins and other wastes out of cells).
SUPPLEMENTATION TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION
Our members are experiencing relief by adding some key supplements to their diets: turmeric (curcumin), proteolytic enzymes, omega-3 and omega-6, chondroitin and glucosamine, ginger, coconut oil and chia seeds.
R&R: TAKE TO THE BATH FOR PAIN RELIEF
Relieving stress as a root cause of inflammation helps both the mind and body. One great relaxation method is soaking in an epsom salt bath. High in magnesium and sulfates, Epsom salts are easily absorbed through the skin to provide quick relief as they lower inflammation, reduce muscle spasms and relax tense areas.
THE RIGHT EXERCISE--THE RIGHT WAY
Swimming and other aquatic activities "promote flexibility and strength without high impact," says Mark Karadsheh, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. A 2014 review in the journal Physical Therapy found that exercising in water reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people with osteoarthritis of the lower limbs. Meanwhile, a 2015 study from The Netherlands found that a 45-minute aquatic circuit training session helped relieve the pain of knee osteoarthritis.
NATURAL THERAPIES FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Research is showing how natural therapies activate our bodies systemic pain and inflammation fighters. Cold therapies like whole body cryotherapy (What Is Cryotherapy), light therapies light cold laser therapy (How Does Cold Laser Help), and compression therapies like NormaTec compression therapy (How Does Compression Therapy Help) have been research proven and widely adopted. Read the links to learn how these amazing therapies can help you!
Sources:
The Arthritis Foundation