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How to Treat Arthritis

how to treat Arthritis

Most of us take the freedom of movement for granted until it becomes limited. For many people across the globe, the movement is limited, and it is not easy for them to live.

Arthritis is defined as a group of painful and degenerative conditions that are marked by inflammation in the joints that causes stiffness and pain, thereby limiting the movement of the person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50 million Americans have arthritis. That is one to five in people over 18 years of age are suffering from some form of arthritis(1).

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects around 33 million American adults. This form of arthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones and joints wears down, thereby letting the bones to rub together than providing them protection and cushion they require.

Cartilage is primarily made of collagen that makes the tissue both flexible and robust. Cartilage is known to cover the ends of the bones, where they meet the joints- and deterioration over time can affect the shape and functionality of the joints, thereby making it painful and limiting movement.

Naturopathic Remedies for Arthritis

Types of Arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune-related disorder affecting the small joints present in the body.

Psoriatic arthritis – Psoriatic arthritis mainly affects the larger joints. Psoriatic arthritis can cause complete joint damage if left untreated initially

Gout – Gout is a type of arthritis which is known to affect the big toe. Gout is caused due to high levels of uric acid in the patient’s blood.

Not only does arthritis cause devastating pain and loss of mobility, but it also can cause various complications such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical myelopathy, and cardiovascular disease.

Unfortunately, most conventional treatments for arthritis don’t address its underlying causes, and additionally, they can also cause long term dependency and pose many side effects.

Natural treatments for arthritis include eating an anti-inflammatory arthritis diet, staying active and mobile, receiving chiropractic adjustments or massage therapy and using healing essential oils and these are a few of the effective alternative and complementary methods that could help you control your symptoms and provide relief on a long term basis.

CURE 1: Foods for Arthritis

Yes, you read that, right! Foods and balanced diet could be used to help you prevent/cure arthritis. Foods are a rich source of antioxidants. They boost the immune system and assist in alleviating inflammation caused due to arthritis.

1. Ginger for Arthritis (Zingiber officinale)

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This flowering plant is known as the ‘queen of traditional medicine.’ It houses several chemical compounds that make it one of the best foods to be part of the anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis. Its root is mostly used for cooking and medicinal benefits.

Why Does It Work?

Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties because of the presence of gingerols. It is observed that people with arthritis have several benefits of consuming/ingesting ginger.

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that function in the same way as COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors are drugs used to treat pain and inflammation. Paracetamol, ibuprofen fall under this category.

In one research conducted in 2001, it was found that highly concentrated doses of the ginger extract were extremely effective in treating patients who were suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Before beginning the study, the participants experienced moderate-to-severe knee pain.

After taking the ginger extract, it was noticed the knee pain reduced drastically and was also not limiting the movement of the patient while standing or walking. Overall, the side effects of using this regimen were limited to only mild abdominal discomfort in some participants.

How to Use?

Ginger is available in many different formulations, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. You could choose any of them that appeals to you. You could ideally start with one of the most natural methods i.e., drinking the tea made from fresh ginger.

Ingredients:
Procedure:

However, it is advised that you consult with your physician/doctor before you start using this regimen.

How Much to Use?

It depends on the severity of your condition and the brand/supplementation method that you are using, however, in a general sense it is recommended that you start with a low dose of tea that is 2 cups a day. You could then increase the dosage as suited; however, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.

2. Garlic (Allium sativum)

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Garlic is one of the most used spices to treat several conditions, as it houses several biologically active ingredients such as allicin, alliinase. These sulfur-containing compounds are responsible for the anti-bacterial, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive properties.

Why Does It Work?

Various research studies have investigated the efficacy of garlic in the treatment of arthritis. The main symptoms of arthritis are pain and inflammation in the affected joints when garlic extracts are consumed/ingested as they have anti-inflammatory properties that have long term effects in reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and preventing auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

In a study conducted, it was noticed that the 30 patients who were suffering from rheumatoid arthritis out of which 15 patients were administered allocate dosage (garlic extract) twice for 4-6 weeks. This group of patients achieved a good response in 86.5% of cases(2).

The extract was well tolerated and had no known side effects. However, the other 15 were treated with conventional medicine, and some parameters for these patients changed for the worse.

How to Use?

Ideally, it is recommended that you consume a clove of raw garlic on a day to day basis. However, it is recommended that you don’t take more than 3 cloves of garlic as it could cause digestive problems.

How Much to Use?

Follow this procedure for a week and then check with your doctor about your condition.

3. Turmeric for Arthritis (Curcuma longa)

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Turmeric or as it is called colloquially as “Indian Saffron” is a bright yellow spice that is a staple ingredient in almost every household. This golden spice is not only used in curries and teas but also in potentially curing a lot of diseases.

Why Does It Work?

Recent research has uncovered that curcumin, the active chemical in turmeric has several beneficial properties for arthritis problems.

Curcumin is a known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and a neuroprotective agent, Curcumin is known to block certain enzymes and cytokines that lead to inflammation and thereby alleviates the symptoms of arthritis.

It was also noticed that turmeric is also very effective in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis.

In a 2012 study of 45 people with RA, researchers assigned curcumin supplements to one-third of them. The other two groups received a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac or a combination of both(3).

The group that took 500 milligrams of curcumin only showed the most improvement. While the others didn’t show any promising results, and also they had presented side effects.

How to Use?

There are several methods you could use turmeric and integrate it into your diet. Curcumin also has poor bioavailability, which means it is poorly absorbed; in other words, you don’t have to worry about the dosage.

You could directly use it as a spice, adding turmeric powder in curries, smoothies, and salads. It is also to be noted that you need to add black pepper which boosts the absorption of turmeric.

You could also buy turmeric tea and add in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for the best absorption. Additionally, you could also use supplements as a viable method to consume turmeric.

How Much to Use?

For the dosage of the supplements, The Arthritis Foundation recommends 500 milligrams twice a day. As turmeric is poorly absorbed in the body, it is safe to take it in higher doses as it poses no harm to the body. However, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor/physician before adhering to this regimen.

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Also Read: Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and Causes

CURE 2: Herbs for Arthritis

Herbs are naturally occurring substances which originated from plants or plant derivatives. They have shown immense potential in curing a lot of diseases effectively, including cerebral disorders, muscular problems, and digestive problems.  Herbal remedies are easily accessible and don’t bear any side effects.

1. Chamomile (Matricaria  chamomilla L.)

Chamomile is one of them.  The dried flower part of the plant is used for treating a myriad of medical problems including rheumatic pain and inflammation.

Why Does It Work?

Chamomile tea is known to be an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. Chamomile tea consists of active compounds called phenols, and these are known to work by inhibiting the COX-2 pathway and thereby helps in reducing pain and inflammation.

Additionally, it was also noticed that they are there able to reduce oxidative free radicals and thus help in boosting the immune system of the body.

In a study conducted in 2017, involving 44 female patients who had RA and were aging between 20-65 years. This study was a double-blinded and randomized clinical trial with treatment and control groups for 6 weeks(4).

After which it was observed that the group that received the chamomile supplementation had shown significant improvement in their condition compared to the control group.

How to Use?

Chamomile is now available in the form of teas, powders, tinctures, supplements. It is ideally recommended that you use the dust or the supplement, however before adhering to this regimen, it is better to consult with a doctor/physician.

How Much to Use?

It depends on the severity of the condition and the brand of supplement that you are using; therefore, before doing it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.

 

2. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

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This tea has been used since generations in Asia and parts of Japan. It is extracted from the same plant that produces oolong tea, black tea, white tea. The distinguishing feature is how the leaves are treated. They are instantly dried and made into a powder form to prevent oxidation of the leaves.

Why Does It Work?

In a study conducted by a team of researchers at Washington State University (WSU), focused on one particular compound found in this green tea. This compound is called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that was observed to reduce ankle swelling. This finding could be a potential source of hope for several people as they are being treated by conventional medicines, and this treatment plan poses many risks to the body.

The Arthritis Foundation stated in an article that a cup of this tea could be right for overall health and the polyphenols in the tea would be able to boost the immune system and fight inflammation.

One of the researchers from the group said that RA treatments conventionally may be effective but pose considerable damage to the immune system in the long run. Green tea and in particular, this compound may be a promising alternative to potentially harmful RA treatments.

How to Use?

Green tea is available in many different formulations, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. You could choose any of them that appeals to you. However, it is advised that you consult with your physician/doctor before you start using this regimen.

How Much to Use?

It depends on the severity of your disease and the brand that you are using; however, in a general sense, it is recommended that you start with a low dose like 2 cups a day. You could then increase the dosage as suited; however, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.

3. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

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Comfrey in the scientific community is referred to as Symphytum, and it belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Typically, when someone speaks of using comfrey for medicinal reasons, they are often refer to Common or True Comfrey.

This herb has been used for medicinal reasons for thousands of years. Historically, it  has been referred to as boneset or knitbone because of the curative properties in healing wounds ranging from sprains to broken bones.

Why Does It Work?

Comfrey is a historically used medicinal plant that has been able to cure several muscular and skeletal problems. It contains allantoin, which is known to reduce inflammation and stimulate cell growth. Due to this chemical compound, it is also known to reduce other ailments, including bronchitis and ulcers.

Although one thing is to be noted that there is current research that has surfaced that it may also contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids and these compounds are known to cause liver damage.

Hence it is strongly urged that use comfrey only externally and never on broken skin or open wounds. However, it is also to be noted that you could have comfrey tea, that is commercially produced as they have all they are safe to consume.

How to Use?

Comfrey is available in many different formulations, including capsules, powders, tinctures, and teas. You could choose any of them that appeals to you. However, it is advised that you consult with your physician/doctor before you start using this regimen.

How Much to Use?

It depends on the severity of your disease and the brand that you are using; however, in a general sense, it is recommended that you start with a low dose like 2 cups a day. You could then increase the dosage as suited; however, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.

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Also Read: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis

CURE 3: Essential Oils for Arthritis

These oils are extracted from barks, flowers stems and other living parts of the plant and have a lot of beneficial effects for humans as they can help in the reduction of swelling and alleviating pain and also helps in increasing the circulation.

1. Frankincense Essential Oil

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This oil is made from the dried resin of some trees that belong to the Boswellia genus, native to Africa and the Middle East. Frankincense boosts a lot of medicinal properties and has been since centuries to treat several medical conditions.

Why Does It Work?

Frankincense Essential Oil has several chemical compounds, out of which boswellic acid is a known anti-inflammatory agent. It acts on the enzymes that trigger pain, it binds with these enzymes and thereby causing the anti-inflammatory reaction.

There have been several studies that were conducted on this subject, in-vitro, dermal tissues of human and clinical trials on humans. Each study concluded that this extract/essential oil was very effective in curing a lot of chronic inflammatory diseases.

How to Use?

You could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in your humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping.

It is to be noted that if you wish to apply it on the site of pain, make sure you use a carrier oil and massage it in very gently.

Dilute the oil using warmed up coconut oil and to the warm oil you could add 3-4 drops of the oil and then using a gauze could apply it on the site. It should also be noted that using the less concentrated version would be safer for your skin and help you avoid the burning sensation.

How Much to Use?

It is strongly advised that you use this regimen only for two weeks and then check for your symptoms, however, before you begin with this regimen it is recommended that you consult your physician/doctor to check with them in regards to the dosage and the period.

2. CBD oil for arthritis

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 120 substances extracted from the cannabis plant. It comes from the marijuana plant, but it contains only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that produces a high/euphoric state of mind.

It implies that this oil has no/negligible psychoactive effects on you if you use it. Cannabidiol oil is known to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, and it shows promise as a treatment for arthritis.

Why Does It Work?

No conclusive studies are indicating that there are proven benefits of using CBD oil for vertigo, however, the studies were conducted to test the efficacy of marijuana for arthritis, and it was concluded that it was able to reduce the severity and in some subjects was able to prevent the pain from arising.

However, this not exclusively conducted on CBD oil and hence there has been an ambiguity on its working.

How to Use?

Ideally, it is recommended that you inhale this essential oil directly, you could instantly take sniffs from the bottle during the day. You could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in your humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping. Additionally, you could also add this into your massage oil or take CBD oil pills for getting rid of arthritis.

How Much to Use?

Although it isn’t specified or a set rigid dosage for the use of CBD oil, however, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor/physician before starting this regimen.

3. Peppermint Oil

Research conducted by the National Centre For Complementary and Integrative Health, suggests that peppermint oil is the best home remedy for Arthritis. Peppermint oil is commonly used for the treatment for a lot of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Why Does It Work?

Peppermint oil is a well-known muscle relaxant; this essential oil helps you control the blood flow in your joints; it improves the oxygen flow to your joints so you could feel more relaxed. Its active ingredient, menthol actively helps in lessening the intensity of acute arthritis.

How to Use?

Ideally, it is recommended that you inhale this essential oil directly, you could instantly take sniffs from the bottle during the day. You could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in your humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping. Additionally, you could also add this into your massage oil or sip on some peppermint tea for getting rid of that arthritis.

How Much to Use?

Although it isn’t specified or a set rigid dosage for the use of peppermint oil, however, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor/physician before starting this regimen.

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Also Read: HOW TO DETECT ARTHROSIS ?

CURE 4: Alternative Therapies

In the comfort of your house, you could treat and cure your hemorrhoids alongside using the other remedies listed above. Arthritis may take time to manifest, and you may not know that you are suffering from until you feel the first occurrence of inflammation and pain. In such situations, natural remedies can alleviate your pain and in the long run, can also help you prevent and cure arthritis.

1. Heat or Cold for Arthritis

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This is one of the most inexpensive and one of the most effective methods that could provide instant relief to your joints and help alleviate the pain. Alternating between these remedies could provide therapeutic relief to the joints.

Why Does It Work?

Heat and cold for dealing with arthritis is a beneficial method. According to research conducted by Fredrikus G.J. Oosterveld, it was deduced that heat treatments work best for soothing stiff joints and patients suffering from arthritis.

Heat enhances circulation to the body and helps in delivering nutrients to joints and muscles. The paper also recommended that they try exercise or any light activity that could help their body.

Cold treatment is best for acute pain; it restricts the blood flow in the vessels and helps in slowing circulation to the area and helps in reducing the swelling and additionally, it also numbs nerve endings and dulling the pain in the joint.

Even though both of these therapies are taunted to be very useful, it should be noted that you shouldn’t apply heat to a joint that is already hot, red and irritated, neither should you apply a cold pack to a joint that is stiff and ‘frozen’ in the sense that it is not moving well as these applications could further worsen the condition of the joints.

How to Use?

They are several methods you could employ/integrate into the daily rituals that could help you reduce your pain and alleviate your inflammation and help in the smoother movement of your joints.

Heat Treatments

Cold Treatments

The quickest and easiest method would be to wrap a bag of ice or bag of frozen vegetables in a towel to protect the skin and apply to painful areas for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

How Much to Use?

It is recommended that you follow these procedures daily at least once a week for about 15-20 minutes daily. It is recommended that you choose the right application, depending on the state your joints are.

2. Physical Therapy

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This therapy focuses primarily focuses on the body’s ability to engage in movement. Movement can be anything from getting in and out of chairs to climbing stairs. The goals of physical therapy for arthritis include improving the mobility and restoring the use of affected joints, increasing strength to support the joints.

They are different types of physical therapy that are primarily classified into:

Physical therapy

This is a commonly recommended treatment for arthritis pain as it is beneficial.  It works to strengthen joints that have been affected by arthritis. The exercises can alleviate joint pain and stiffness, as well as improve the range of motion.

Occupational therapy

This is a form of therapy that primarily teaches the patients how to manage arthritis pain, and works around it to achieve a higher level of mobility and to reduce their anxiety. A professional occupational therapist will teach you the methods that you could employ to protect your joints from damage.

TENS therapy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, is a physical therapy method that uses small pulses of electricity on the target areas that have arthritis. The electrodes are placed on the skin, and then low levels of electricity are passed into the joint, temporarily relieving pain.

Diathermy

This a form of heat therapy that uses ultrasound, radio or microwaves, or electrical currents to heat the tissue inside painful joints. The heat kills damaged cells that cause joint pain, alleviating your pain.

Massage for arthritis

A massage by a professional therapist could help you manage the symptoms of your arthritis. Massaging, kneading, and rubbing muscles and joints are known to boost blood circulation as it is known that lack of blood circulation is one of the reasons for inflammation and pain.

How to Use?

Go to your nearest therapy center and to have them put you through this therapy. However, it is suggested that you have a word with your physician/doctor before you go, to have a better understanding of this therapy.

How Much to Use?

The whole treatment plan could span over months. However, this is variable and a general estimate. It could vary from person to person as it depends on several factors. You would be told about your duration and about how regularly you’d have to attend this therapy.

3. Meditation and Yoga for Arthritis

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Yoga and meditation are simple techniques that have been used in India since the past 5000 years to treat and cure several health ailments ranging from stress, mental disorders to arthritis, and obesity. This ancient discipline of alternative therapy could hold the key to help you with your arthritis pain.

Why Does It Work?

Yoga and Meditation are known to help control the blood flow in the body, and it also helps in increasing the flexibility of the body and additionally, it helps in increasing the pain threshold of the body and teaches the user to pain management.

According to a study conducted in 2015 on 75 sedentary adults that were suffering from some form of arthritis (primarily osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) and these patients were assigned 8 weeks of yoga (two 60 minutes classes and 1exercise to be practiced at home)(5)

After studying the vital signs in these individuals, it was concluded that yoga was able to boost the physiological and psychological condition of the patient and it was also noticed that there increase in mobility and reduction in pain amongst the patients.

How to Use?

They are several poses that you could perform to help you with your arthritis, and John Hopkins Arthritis Center recommends these poses.

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For performing this asana, you would need to slowly roll down the spine to hand forward, while your weight is in the middle of the feet ( not on the toes or heels). It is to be noted that you don’t lock your knees or rolling in/out with the feet. Your upper body should be suspended without tension, including your head.

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For performing this asana, you would need to lay down with the tops of the feet resting on the floor. Make sure that your palms are flat on the floor alongside your chest and elbows and are close to your body.

Then raise your head, neck and chest are off the floor, gaze forward, keeping your feet and legs down.  Upper back muscles should be engaged, and arms should not be used to execute the movement.

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For performing this asana, you would need to stand up straight and then slowly shift your weight onto one leg (you could use a chair or wall for support).

You would need to lift one leg then and hold the outside of the knee. While doing this, your other hand could be placed on your hip or extended overhead.  Stay in this position for 5 minutes and then repeat the same with the other leg.

How much to practice?

You could perform these asanas and meditation every morning for around 30-40 minutes. However, it is advised that you consult with your doctor/physician before adhering to this regimen.

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Also Read: Cinnamon uses and its medicinal properties

CURE 5: Supplements for Arthritis

Supplements form the adjuvant therapy, .i.e you follow this treatment alongside the primary treatment. Supplements form the backbone for your recovery as lacking nutrients and minerals could lead to weakened immunity making your body prone to several debilitating health conditions and symptoms.

1. Vitamin D (Calciferol)

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Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that is required by the body as it helps in building and maintaining strong bones; it aids with calcium absorption in the body as it is necessary for bone health.

It is also known to prevent osteoporosis, and additionally, it helps regulate cells responsible for autoimmune functions. Adequate amounts of vitamin D are linked to improved cardiovascular health as well.

In the body, vitamin D gets converted into a steroid hormone capable of turning genes on or off, signaling them to make enzymes and proteins that are crucial in maintaining health and fighting diseases.

Why Does It Work?

It is a known fact that vitamin D is vital for bone and muscular functioning of the body. It is also a known anti-inflammatory agent.

In a renowned study that was conducted over 3 years, for 474 patients aged over 50 who were suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

These patients were all administered with Vitamin D, and after through observation, it was noticed that there was a substantial decrease in the swelling and pain that the patients experienced.

How to Use?

Vitamin D supplementation is very simple and could be followed by just using them right from the container. Although it is strictly advised that you check with your doctor/physician before you do so.

How Much to Use?

Ideally, it is recommended that you stick to the dosage mentioned on the label. However, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.

2. Fish Oil Supplements

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Fish oil, as the name implies, comes from fish. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which has demonstrated to have a positive impact on heart health and can protect against stroke and heart disease.

Why Does It Work?

Omega 3s have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer, reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving the health of your arteries and help you control your migraine.

Several types of research have been conducted on this topic, and in one such study, it was concluded after observing 125 patients who had been on fish oil supplements for the inflammation that they have been performing well compared to NSAIDs and didn’t pose any kind of side-effects.

How to Use?

Fish Oil supplementation is very simple and could be followed by just using them right from the container. Although it is strictly advised that you check with your doctor/physician before you do so.

How Much to Use?

Ideally, it is recommended that you stick to the dosage mentioned on the label. However, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.

3. Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral that is required by the body; it forms the main constituent of bones and teeth. It also regulates muscular contractions; it transmits nerve impulses; it helps in the release of essential hormones and enzymes.

Calcium is mostly found in diaries such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. It is also found abundantly in kale, broccoli, canned sardines, orange juice.

Why Does It Work?

Calcium is a mineral that forms the backbone for bone formation and is required by the body for the maintenance of bone mineralization in the body. It is also known to help in reducing the inflammation.

In one extensive study that was conducted on the Oslo Rheumatoid Arthritis Register, it was observed from the 609 patients over time had shown improvement over time with their joint pain and inflammation.

How to Use?

Calcium supplementation is very simple and could be followed by just using them right from the container. Although it is strictly advised that you check with your doctor/physician before you do so.

How Much to Use?

Ideally, it is recommended that you stick to the dosage mentioned on the label. However, before doing so, it is recommended that you consult with your physician if you could adhere to this regimen.

Arthritis is a progressive condition. It causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Although there are several medication interventions are available. However, they tend to have long term side effects. Home remedies, when integrated with alternative remedies, are more effective in relieving pain and increasing the mobility of the joints.

Speak with your doctor for any concerns. It is also vital to ask about any supplements that you may take as they may be a chance that the existing medications you are taking may interact with it.

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