Health Hacks(Carlton Books, 2016) by Esme Floyd will help you to make small changes that reap really big health benefits. This book has direct remedies for health problems as well as preventative advice on topics ranging from nutrition and fitness to illnesses and stress, This section gives tips on how to handle your arthritis pain.
Go Alkaline to Neutralize Acid Pain
Acidic foods like tomato, citrus fruits, fruit juices and red meats can make the pain of arthritis worse by building up acid crystals in the joints. Instead, plump for high-alkaline or neutral foods like green vegetables, eggs, dairy produce and water.
Ease Pain with Pineapple
Pineapple has been shown to suppress inflammation and boost bone health, thus improving joint pain in arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties are thought to be due to its high bromelain content.
Curry Flavor to Stop Swelling
Curries that contain high levels of the herb turmeric contain circumin, a natural anti-inflammatory that can help alleviate pain and swelling. If you don’t fancy the hot stuff, supplements are also available.
Soak Away Pain
Morning baths in warm water, or soaks for feet and hands, can help ease pain from arthritic joints, which is often worse first thing. Soak for at least ten minutes to reap maximum benefits.
Take Up Tai Chi for Flexibility
The ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi has been shown to reduce both the effects of arthritis and the distress caused by stiff, painful joints. Practising at least two or three times a week is most beneficial.
Drop A Size to Be Knee-Wise
According to experts, being overweight is such a danger to joints that losing as little as 5kg (11lb) may cut the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%.
Rue The Rhubarb
Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which inhibits your body’s ability to absorb calcium and iron from other foods. It can aggravate arthritis and may even cause an attack if eaten to excess.
Be Super-Careful in The Sun
Arthritis can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so make sure you cover head, shoulders and eyes on bright days.
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Excerpted from the book Health Hacks.Copyright ©2016 by Esme Floyd. Printed with permission fromCarlton Books.