Manage Arthritis The Nutritional Way
Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage the joints of the body. It often res in inflammation of the joints in the body. The tendons and muscles can become rather painful due to the inflammation of the arthritis. Arthritis attacks the joints, the muscles as well as the connective tissues of the body. The disease can take away the ability to move joints freely and can even deprive one of the ability to enjoy the basic activities of daily life. The joint movements become extremely painful, especially in cold, windy and damp weather. If this disease is not attended to right at the initial stages the joints may become immobile and permanently deformed.
Learn To Manage Arthritis
Weak digestion, constipation, overeating and very little physical activity are the symptoms that can develop in a patient of arthritis. It is necessary to deal with these symptoms also through appropriately regulation of the diet. Western science believes that nutrition and dieting cannot cure arthritis. But it can make a difference to the arthritic condition. Nutrition in patients with arthritis should be viewed as an important part of the overall treatment plan. Just the diabetes, arthritis is a condition, which can be successfully managed with the appropriate diet, medication and activity.
A healthy nutritional plan provides: Counterbalance of the nutritional side-effects of medications
- The nutrients you need for good overall health
- Nourishment to strengthen muscles that support joints
- Maintenance of ideal bodyweight to reduce joint stress
- The positive feeling that comes from knowing you are doing your best
Ayurvedic Homely Remedies for Arthritis
For pain from the arthritis, an effective home remedy is to take a raw potato and slice it to the size of the painful area. Lay the flesh of the potato against the painful site and tie it there with gauze. Let it stay until the potato becomes hard then replace it with another. This can be done during the day though it is especially good for overnight use.
For inflammation due to arthritis try applying a milk-compress (a small towel soaked in milk) at room temperature on the location of pain. Cover it with small plastic sheet and hold it to the joint with gauze.
Ayurvedic Recommendations:
According to Ayurveda arthritis is caused by aggravation of Vata (air) dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins). Ama gets deposited in the weak areas of the body, joints with a simultaneous aggravation of Vata that is known as Ama Vata (arthritis).
Ayurveda recommends that one should follow an anti-pitta regimen. That is, one should exclude potato, tomato, eggplant, bell pepper, and tobacco and spicy foods from their diet. Eliminate all meats, fish, eggs, salt, peas, beans, lentils, asparagus, mushrooms, processed flour and wind forming foods like cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes.
- Avoid hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets
- Stop consuming too much tea (other than decaffeinated herbal), coffee, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate, cocoa
- Keep away from antibiotics, painkillers, steroids, alcohol and nicotine
- Do not sleep during the day Avoid staying up late at night
Ayurvedic Diet:
- Vegetable juices and soups, fresh fruit, salad & greens
- Dry fruits and nuts except peanut
- Coconut water
- Coconut milk
- Carrot juice
- Beet root juice
- Cucumber juice
- Honey
- Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin
- Regular physical exercise and massage with oil.
