Joints are an amazing and integral part of the human body. They help us to run, walk, jump and move but most people don’t think about them until something goes wrong and they are left with achy joints that are painful, swollen or stiff that could be an early sign of arthritis.
Arthritis affects about 40 per cent of the Singapore population. While the condition is often associated with old age, many people are unaware that children and young adults can also be at risk of contracting this debilitating condition.
Dr Lui Nai Lee, a Rheumatologist with Gleneagles Hospital Singapore, says there are two types of arthritis – the autoimmune/inflammatory types and the degenerative types.
He cautions that with the former, most patients have a genetic predisposition for the condition, so it is important for people to recognise the early signs and symptoms of arthritis and seek early treatment to improve the condition with minimal joint damage.
Living with pain is no way to enjoy life to the fullest so whether it’s achy joints or other physical ailments, try switching up your diet to improve your condition. Here are some tried-and-tested remedies for common aches and pains that could help you heal your body from the inside:
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GOOD FOR: Achy Joints
When joint pain flares up, reach for a fresh pineapple. This fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps the body process nutrients, reduce inflammation, and support joint function.
GOOD FOR: Muscle Inflammation
Pack up a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate to relieve aches caused by muscle inflammation. Walnuts lower the body’s C-reactive protein which causes inflammation. Almonds and cashews contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are also anti-inflammatory, while dried fruits and dark chocolate are antioxidants.
GOOD FOR: Stomach Aches
Stomachaches caused by motion sickness, nausea, indigestion, and gas can be relieved with ginger. Containing a substance that relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract, ginger allays the symptoms of stomach pain.
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GOOD FOR: Tissue Inflammation
Avocados carry a concentrated amount of carotenoids, which help to protect and strengthen skin, tissue, and cells for better health and function.
GOOD FOR: Heartburn
Heartburn is caused by acid reflux rising and irritating the esophagus, but there are foods that can neutralise the acid. High-fiber oatmeal will absorb the acid and low-acidic bananas that will coat your throat and provide relief.
GOOD FOR: Irritated Skin
For sunburn, insect bites, or pimples, the naturally occurring oils and compounds found in basil can soothe and speed up healing. Basil is also naturally antibacterial and disinfecting.
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GOOD FOR: Sore Throat
To heal a sore throat, chamomile helps kill bacteria and serves as an anti-inflammatory to soothe aches or rawness resulting from a cold or cough. Add honey for its healing properties.
GOOD FOR: Headaches
Packed with melatonin and polyphenol, cherries convert to nitric oxide in the blood and serve to relax muscles and blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow and headache relief.
GOOD FOR: Urinary Tract Infection
The compounds in the probiotic yogurt help fight infection and reestablish the healthy bacterial balance. Unsweetened is best, as simple sugars can cancel out yogurt’s benefits.
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GOOD FOR: General Aches & Pains
Staying properly hydrated has been shown to diminish the pain associated with migraines, muscle aches, joint stress, constipation, and other ailments. So make sure you’re drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day.
GOOD FOR: Cramps
For any muscle cramps you may get, a salad made with spinach is packed with essential nutrients to ward off the pain and reinvigorate your muscles with the vitamins like potassium, magnesium, and protein.
GOOD FOR: Arthritis
Salmon is rich with omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and enable better joint movement for arthritis patients. Cook some salmon with ingredients like garlic and lemon, which also have anti-inflammatory ingredients.
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