Joint inflammation is a very common disorder that most people experience throughout their lives. The name arthritis is usually ascribed to any joint which is painful, swollen, red, or stiff.
Although there are many types of arthritis conditions affecting joints and other parts of the body, they all have something in common. They usually produce burning joint pain and swelling and limit your range of motion around one, several, or many joints.
There are some foods which can help relieve burning joint pain. Here are a few examples:
Salmon
Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring contain generous amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. These can also be found in seal meat, tuna, and halibut. The omega-3 fats are extremely important in the control of burning joint pain because they have a natural anti-inflammatory action within the human body.
The consumption of omega-3 fats can decrease the inflammatory response by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals which produce and encourage inflammation (a contributor to burning joint pain). Studies have indicated that the consumption of more fatty fish can lead to decreased morning pain and stiffness in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
I recommend eating at least two to three servings of oily fish per week to control inflammation.
Curcumin
This spice commonly found in turmeric has been used for centuries to treat inflammation including arthritis. This yellow, pungent pigment is full of antioxidants which can help prevent free radicals from damaging our cells and is also capable of decreasing the secretion of chemicals which produce and increase the inflammatory process.
You can consume turmeric as a spice in curry on a regular basis to get the necessary anti-inflammatory benefit that curcumin provides or take a supplement containing 500 mg three times per day with food. This is an excellent natural remedy to fight burning joint pain.
Ginger Root
This is also used as a medicinal herbal remedy for burning joint pain but it can be included in your diet as a condiment. Fresh ginger root, cooked, raw or pickled is a very important part of Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Ginger root contains gingerol, a powerful antioxidant which can protect our cells from the damage caused from free radicals, and decrease the inflammatory cascade.
The recommended dosage of fresh ginger root is approximately 10 gm per day which would translate to a slice about 1/4 inch thick.
Ginger can be used in food, as a condiment and in food preparation.
Pineapple
Pineapple contains a high concentration of the enzyme bromelain which can decrease the production of fibrin and the secretion of chemicals which encourage the inflammatory response. This is helpful to reduce burning joint pain.
This added benefit of bromelain can reduce inflammation and help improve waste product removal and blood flow.
Consuming more raw pineapple in your diet (about one to two servings per day) may help reduce the joint discomfort associated with your arthritis, and your burning joint pain.
Source(s) for Today’s Article:
Murray, M., et al., The Encyclopedia of Naturopathic Medicine (Prima Publishing, 1998): 770-789.