GO A LITTLE NUTTY EVERY DAY

If you have problems with joint swelling, aches and pains, try snacking on nuts.  Italian scientists have found that a handful of nuts daily can cut the risk of joint swelling and pain by half. Nuts are packed with nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, and vitamin E, all which are key to repairing and building joint cartilage. I was not surprised when I can across this data. I have walnuts, sometimes other nuts, several days a week with breakfast. And I usually bake with pecans. I find the days I skip the nuts; I do have more aches and pains. My body is like one big autoimmune factory. I have several autoimmune diseases which cause joint swelling.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET

This post is a little different but important. I think most of us have heard the saying, "When your feet hurt, you hurt all over".  It is no wonder that seems true. Did you know that a quarter of all the bones in your body are in your feet? That's right. Each foot has 26 bones which means your feet contain 52 bones. In addition to bones the feet and ankles also have 33 joints and more than 240 muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons.  And we keep all those things busy. The average American will have logged approximately 75,000 miles on their feet by age 50. So don't just take your feet for granted, take good care of them.

Ladies are four times more likely than men to have foot problems. The experts say this is probably due to shoe choices. If the shoe hurts or doesn't fit properly, don't wear it! "Listen" to your feet when they try to tell you something.

Important tip: Feet naturally swell in the afternoon so buy shoes in the afternoon to avoid buying shoes that are too tight.

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EATING TO STRENGTHEN YOUR JOINTS

Yes, what you eat can strengthen your joints and lower your risk of developing arthritis. A study at the University of North Carolina found that people who eat lots of selenium were 38% less likely than others to ever develop arthritis. Both fish and whole grains are top sources of selenium so double your intake with a tuna sandwich on whole-wheat bread.

Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., reminds us that fish is also an excellent source of the powerful natural anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that can help slow down joint damage in those already diagnosed with arthritis.

Recommendation: Two servings of whole-grain bread daily and 12-oz of fish weekly.

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DIET AND WEIGHT AFFECT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Most who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis will do almost anything to reduce their pain and discomfort. One important thing to remember is that excess weight puts more stress on already painful joints. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy can improve overall health and help one to lose weight. Losing weight can reduce the stress on those sore, swollen joints.

 

BROCCOLI FOR BODY ACHES

Cold weather can often leave our bodies feeling achy, stiff and sore. How about some broccoli to help with that achy feeling? According to a study in the journal Antioxidants, 3/4 cup of broccoli daily can curb these types of pain flares by up to 64%. The help comes from the nutrients zeaxanthin and vitamin-K. both known to curb pain-triggering inflammation and fast-track healing of damaged muscles and joints. Who knew broccoli had that healing power?

HOW ESSENTIAL IS WATER TO THE BODY?

 The photo below should answer that question.

SUMMER TIME AND JOINT PAIN

 For those of us who suffer from joint pain, soreness and stiffness, Summer can bring on some real challenges. According to The Journal of Rheumatology, not just my opinion, hot, humid days spur the swelling of joints and surrounding tissue. This increases the odds of soreness and stiffness by 140%! As many sufferers know, OTC medicines are not always helpful. Here are some "kitchen" remedies that are suggested. Dr. Melinda Jampolis says, "Turmeric, black pepper and ginger are the triad of pain-r relieving spices." When black pepper is combined with turmeric, it boosts the absorption of turmeric's curcumin by 2,000%! Indian research has shown that curcumin cuts joint pain by 70% in six weeks. Ginger is also known to relieve joint swelling and stiffness.

Also, a study in the United Kingdon found that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, can cut joint pain. You might want to add some fresh pineapple and/or pineapple juice to your summer menus.  Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D. says bromelain breaks down protein-coated molecules responsible for pain.

SPICE RACK REMEDIES

 Have you ever considered your spice rack as a medicine cabinet? As strange as that may sound, it is a good idea. To enlighten us all, I have decided to do a 'spice rack remedies' post from time to time. If you have taking medications, as many do, try using more spices to help with your health situations. Below are the first two I will post.

• Ginger - Ginger relieves inflammation associated with arthritic conditions, soothes nausea and indigestion, and helps fight colds and flu. I can personally say I have used ginger for years and it has helped my inflammation and stomach issues. According to Andrew Weil, MD, a graduate of Harvard Medical School and a leading proponent of Natural Healing, ginger can reduce joint stiffness and swelling as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. One possible risk is that excessive use by pregnant women may cause miscarriage and/or heartburn.
• Caraway - Aids digestion. Also acts as an antispasmodic which can be helpful in treating menstrual cramps. No known risks.

These are just brief points on these spices. You can look them up online for more details if you are interested in a particular one.

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