Pill-Free Pain Relief

By Vicky Perks

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis can affect anyone, and not just the elderly ... arthritis literally means "inflammation of the joints," and most people with arthritis will probably experience pain and difficulty moving around.

The exact cause is not fully understood, although it is generally accepted that the gradual wearing away of joint cartilage tissue is a major contributing factor.

As you grow older, your body is often unable to replace new cartilage to counteract any loss, allowing insufficiently cushioned bone to rub together causing inflammation, pain and stiffness.

Excessive wear and tear, through running or cycling, for example, can accelerate this process.

Some forms of arthritis also appear to be hereditary.

But it's not all bad news. While there is no cure as such, arthritis is, for many people, a manageable condition, and there are measures you can take to help reduce pain and stiffness.

Diet is important. Polyunsaturated fats containing omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help with inflammation, so opt for lots of oily fish and nuts and seeds, which are good sources.

Salmon, mackerel and sardines are also a good source of omega-3 oils.

However, if you are concerned about pollution levels and the environmental impact of fish, or are a vegetarian, then flax (linseed) oil is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fats.

Antioxidants can also help to fight inflammation, so a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients is recommended.

Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day should do the trick.

Fruits such as cherries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants and help protect cartilage.

Pineapple is another secret weapon. It is rich in an anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain -- a portion of pineapple a day should help to keep the doctor away.

Certain foods, however, such as wheat, gluten, cow's milk, sugar, citrus fruits and tomatoes, are thought to increase the production of inflammatory chemicals, particularly in individuals with aggressive inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Keep a food diary and note any correlation between your diet and pain levels.

A nutritionist or naturopath can help you to assess the most appropriate diet for your specific needs.

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