Arthritis affects over 350 million people in the world.
It is also a leading cause of disability and can affect mobility and interrupt people’s ability to perform simple daily tasks.
World Arthritis Day was on October 12, which aimed to raise awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
Although strides have been made to find suitable treatments, many continue to suffer from debilitating pain.
Owner and founder of The Harvest Table, Catherine Clark, said there are natural remedies which can help manage symptoms associated with arthritis.
“There is no cure for arthritis, but if you support your body with the right foods and supplements, you can alleviate some of the pain so that it doesn’t become a hindrance in your daily life,” said Clark.
Clark added that arthritis can affect one’s energy levels, cause pain, and is a direct result of a loss of collagen in the bones.
“The key is to find solutions that will help you feel less fatigued, while also managing pain and replenishing the collagen lost,” she said.
Clark offers three natural remedies to manage arthritis pain:
• Anti-inflammatory foods
Arthritis fatigue is real, and according to the Arthritis Foundation, unchecked inflammation and pain largely contribute to your energy levels, along with certain medications that can cause drowsiness.
Boosting your energy starts with nourishing your body with the right foods, especially those with high anti-inflammatory properties that help your bodies repair process.
This will not only alleviate pain but will reduce the inflammation in your body.
To effectively manage your arthritis, reduce the amounts of processed foods and saturated fats as these will only further contribute to your symptoms.
Instead, choose fresh fruits and vegetables, especially green vegetables and berries.
Also include fish and nuts, which both contain high anti-inflammatory properties.
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• Slow and gentle movement
Movement is a critical part of recovery when addressing the symptoms of arthritis as it retains the suppleness of your joints.
Various low impact movements can specifically tackle flexibility, strength and generally support your joints to prevent injury.
Prolonged lack of movement can lead to chronic stiffness that results into joint immobility which will impact your ability to complete daily activities.
Yoga is an effective solution as it reduces joint pain and also eases stress, tension and promotes better quality sleep.
• Collagen-rich supplements
Collagen consists of protein building blocks, otherwise known as amino acids, which aid in cushioning our joints.
When you have arthritis, this cushioning diminishes which then affects your cartilage and leads to your bones rubbing against each other without protection.
Supplements like Bone Broth and Collagen granules help replenish the collagen content in your body.
Bone Broth is a natural anti-inflammatory, so when you have it as part of your diet, you benefit in more ways than one.
Collagen granules can help reduce both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis joint pain, improve flexibility, and helps form new bones.
Although all the collagen you ingest does not go straight to your bones, increasing your intake makes them readily available for your body tissues.
“Natural remedies are meant to support your body so that you can better manage pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis. The idea is to implement small and manageable changes that contribute to you feeling better and having the energy and ability to get through the day without pain getting in the way,” Clark concludes.
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