Arthritis isn't anything to joke about and those who suffer from it need effective arthritis treatments. If you have arthritis, you know how painful a condition it really is. The problem with finding suitable arthritis treatments is two-fold. First, the arthritis treatments that get prescribed ultimately depend on the initial diagnosis, which is why it's so important to discuss the situation with a medical practitioner. And second, many suffers cannot tolerate the side effects of NSAIDS or surgery and for this group, natural arthritis treatments really are their only options.
Read the labels contained on the foods you are buying in your local grocery. Be especially careful and avoid as much food as possible that contains preservatives and/or additives. (Take an extra careful look at labels on ice cream and candy for example.) The more natural your diet in terms of the food you eat, the greater your chances are of defeating arthritis.
Prepared meals you buy that can just be “popped” into the oven are also something you should avoid if possible. Some contain as much as 1200 mg of sodium and as much as 60 mg of cholesterol. (You might consider some of the other health factors at play here and not just your arthritis.)
Many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patient's lost cartilage. However, before adding any to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. So use caution.
The most popular dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers are chondroitin, fish oil and glucosamine.
Chondroitin can draw fluid into the cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability and weight control, as more weight equals more joint pressure.
Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that play a role in controlling inflammation in the body.
Recent studies have shown that the cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is effective for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. Whether or not it can actually reverse the disease is still unclear.
In some instances, glucosamine can be used in conjunction with MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), a substance that appears to slow down the degeneration but is not yet proven and approved.
