green tea reduce arthritis inflammation

5 Drug-Free Arthritis Remedies

Finding “home remedies” for osteoarthritisrheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and other forms of arthritis is easy. Finding effective ones is a lot harder. Few have been rigorously studied, and even remedies that perform well in trials don’t work for everyone. Here are five low-risk therapies that science shows may reduce pain and inflammation.

Ice Massage

Simply rubbing an ice cube or a paper cup of frozen water in small circles over a painful area reduces swelling, slows pain signals and inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals. The American College of Rheumatology recommends doing it 5 to 10 minutes several times a day.

Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids in some fish reduce inflammation by halting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes – and they can ease pain, too. The best sources include salmon, sardines, herring and tuna. Eat several servings per week.

Walking

Few therapies can match walking for reducing pain and stiffness, building muscles around the joints, and improving flexibility. Start as slowly as you need to and work up to 30 minutes a day.

Green Tea

Studies show a potent antioxidant in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) blocks the production of molecules that cause joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To reap the health benefits, drink two or three cups of green tea a day, researchers suggest.

Probiotics

In studies, certain strains of probiotic bacteria – “good” bacteria found in some foods – significantly reduced pain and disability in people with RA. Though research is still preliminary, try eating yogurt or taking probiotic supplements every day for two or three months to see if it’s effective for you.

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4 thoughts on “5 Drug-Free Arthritis Remedies

  1. Doing 3 of the 5, but can’t tell any demonstrable effects from any of these, except I do hurt more if I skip my ususal daily walking. I also take a daily capsule of Mega Red, which is krill oil, and try to have fish at least 2 days of the week. Give me my Actemra, an IL-6 inhibitor that immediately takes all my inflammatory markers doen to -0- (the TNF drugs don’t help me at all – have tried them all, as well as an IL-1 inhibitor that also didn’t work for me), my prednisone. my Celebrex, my Fentanyl pacth and my hydrocodone every 4 hours and I can make it through the day (and night) for the most part.

  2. I use doTerra Essential Oils for my Arthritis pain. I use them in conjunction with my regular treatment. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and a bit of Osteoarthritis in my hands and feet. I am on Remicade Infusions every 6 weeks. I have found that using a combination of doTerra’s Deep Blue which is a Combination of Wintergreen, Leaf Oil, Bark Oil. These are all CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade ) essential oils. I have found success with the Deep Blue and other Pure essential Oils. I have personally found that making sure the supplier has a good independent certification process is critical. There are lots of products that are called “Pure” which are Not. What is the Arthritis Foundations position on Essential Oils? I see where you are embracing “Alternative Medications, etc. Thank You
    I have done a lot of research and use the doTerra Essential Oils and find them very helpful for me!

  3. Great article about #arthritis remedies. I treat patients in rehab with arthritis and it’s truly amazing how exercises help. While exercises on land are effective, #waterexercises decrease pressure, are easier to do and another effective natural remedy. Do you agree?

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