Studies linking food and painful conditions have shown that some foods alleviate inflammation in conditions like rheumatism, arthritis and gout. Primitive tribes seemed to know instinctively that certain foods led to inflammation and subsequent pain.
Omega 6 oils and animal flesh manufacture a fatty acid, which leads to the formation of hormone like substances that in turn cause inflammation. Consequently, it has now been proved that intake of some specific food items that have anti-inflammatory properties actually help to prevent or relieve such symptoms.
Herbs and Spices that Reduce Inflammation
- The Arabs discovered alfalfa and called it the “father of all foods”. Alfalfa owes its rich nutritional content to the fact that its roots penetrate very deep into the soil to absorb nourishing trace minerals. Alfalfa tea alkalizes the blood, and is useful in inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
- Lemon grass is anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory, and is effective in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis. The oil can be used locally.
- Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it very effective in combating osteoarthritis and the accompanying joint pain and inflammation. It has been successfully tried on patients of rheumatism, lumbago and arthritis and sciatica, without any side effects. Traditional medicine recommends its use with honey, and the oil as a local application, since it penetrates through the skin to reach the affected part. Onion too controls inflammation in rheumatism and arthritis.
- Like garlic, ginger has been used in ayurveda, (the Indian traditional form of medicine) to treat osteoarthritis since ancient times. It prevents the formation of the inflammatory substances, while also breaking down inflammatory acids with its anti-oxidant properties.
- Sesame seeds have been used for medicinal purposes in Asia through the ages. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, they have been used to treat frequent arthritic pains in the joints.
- The substance curcumin in turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent, considered equal to that of cortisone. Trials have shown that it lessens joint swelling, pain and stiffness.
Vegetables that Control Inflammation
Celery is full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, essential oils and plant hormones. It has a high organic sodium content which relieves arthritic joint pains and inflammation in rheumatic conditions. Rhubarb too is anti-inflammatory and beneficial in treating rheumatism.
Raw vegetable juices (like potato juice) have an alkaline action which dissolves deposits that form around tissues and joints. This reduces the swelling and pain.
Fruits that Control Inflammation
- Excessive uric acid causes gout, arthritis and rheumatism; this is neutralized by the malic acid present in apples.
- Uric acid is also dissolved by grapes, which are rich in alkaline elements. Consequently, they are effective in treating gout, arthritis and rheumatism.
- The curative properties of fresh cherries in gout related inflammation of joints and swellings was discovered by Lodwig W Blan, who found it effective in his own case.
- Pineapple has an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain. The fresh juice alleviates pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Lemon and lime are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Lemon juice is acidic, but becomes alkaline in the body, and prevents the deposit of uric acid in the tissues. As a result, it prevents and alleviates conditions caused by excess acid: rheumatism, pain in hip joints, gout, sciatica, arthritis and lumbago.
- The vitamin C in lime strengthens the connective tissues in the body and thus reduces sore joints. Its citric acid dissolves uric acid, which causes diseases like arthritis and gout. Lime is also effective in preventing and treating gum related problems like inflammation and pyorrhea.
A faulty diet could cause inflammation, while incorporating some items can effectively prevent or reduce inflammation naturally. Animal fat aggravates joint inflammation, so switching to a vegetarian diet reduces joint pain, swelling and stiffness. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of some herbs, vegetables and fruits and spices.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his/her health should contact a licensed medical professional.
Sources:
- Bakhru, H.K, Healing through natural foods, Jaico Books, 2008.
- About.com, Can the Foods You Eat Make a Difference in Chronic Pain? by Shereen Jegtvig, (accessed October 16, 2010).
- Nutrition.about.com, Anti-inflammatory Foods, (accessed October 16, 2010).
- Theconsciouslife.com, Top 10 anti-inflammatory foods, (accessed October 16, 2010).
- Level1diet.com, The 3 levels of inflammation health, (accessed October 16, 2010).
Nita Mukherjee - I have 25+ years of experience in education and tutoring in English, and 12+ years in writing. With a post graduate degree (B.Ed) in ...
Join the Conversation