8 Ways to Reduce Arthritis Pain Naturally

As we grow older, our bodies can become more frail, increasing the likelihood of aches and pains. Loss of flexibility, fatigue, swelling, and joint and muscle stiffness are common symptoms in older Americans. Many adults experience it regardless of their diet and fitness.

Arthritis pain adds to age-related discomfort for millions of Americans. Gout and rheumatoid arthritis, which causes chronic inflammation of joints, can affect your hands, legs, joints, and both sides of the body.

Millions take pain medication to deal with the discomfort of arthritis pain. But a handful of natural, non-drug alternatives have also been shown to alleviate arthritis pain in the short term and even prevent it in the long term.

Marcy O’Koon, senior director for consumer health at the Arthritis Foundation, tells Newsmax Health that something as simple as adding more anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can have a big impact on pain.

“An anti-inflammatory diet is good for overall health,” she notes.

“The Mediterranean diet is considered a good model for eating a diet that reduces or at least doesn’t promote inflammation. Go for cold-water fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as herring, mackerel, trout, salmon and tuna, high-fiber foods, such as whole grains and vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil [in moderation], too.”

Here are eight other simple ways to lessen arthritis pain suggested by AARP:

Drink conservatively. AARP notes research shows that women who drink as little as three cocktails per week are likely to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. But there are caveats: Drinking too much beer may increase knee and hip osteoarthritis pain, and may also increase your weight, which puts added pressure on joints.

Cherries. These antioxidant-loaded fruits provide a remedy for your arthritis. The bright red color of cherries comes from antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Research suggests these compounds can reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels and can ease pain caused by arthritis or gout.

Cherries can be eaten alone or added to meals, salads, cereals, and other dishes. Experts say it takes just a couple days for the benefits of consuming as few as a dozen cherries per day to take effect.

Cut out soda. All brands of sugary soda boost tooth cavities, weight gain, and can weaken bones by removing calcium, studies show. It’s best to cut out soda or at least limit your consumption.

“People with gout should avoid sugary drinks, sodas, and fruit juices,” says O’Koon. “Tart cherry juice seems to protect against gout attacks. Teas have chemicals that fight inflammation.”

Avoid purines. Purines are natural chemical compounds found in certain foods and drinks. Red meats are high in cholesterol, fattening, and purines. Better alternatives include thin-sliced bologna, turkey, and chicken. Alcoholic beverages also contain high levels of purines, according to AARP.

Those with gout need to be mindful of purines since higher amounts lead to greater levels of uric acid.

“Lowering blood levels of uric acid to six mg/dL or lower is key to managing gout. Some of the foods and drinks highest in purines are red meat, shellfish, and beer,” says O’Koon. “A few foods and food categories that seem to be helpful for gout are cherries, dairy products, and coffee.”

Get or stay active. Staying — or getting — physically active can ease pain naturally, experts note. Jogging, running, weight lifting, cross training, hiking, bicycling, and even low-impact activities (such as gardening and housework) can all help alleviate inflammation and pain, studies show.

If you’re just starting an exercise program, talk to your doctor first and start slow. Go for a quick warm up instead of an hour-long session, and work your way up to a more intense workout over time.

Relax your body. Acupuncture, massage, tai chi and yoga are alternative means of healing arthritis that aim to relax the body and mind to ease pain.

Acupuncture and tai chi have been shown to be effective treatments for pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, according to a study at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

Curry with food. Turmeric — the main spice in curry that gives Asian dishes their yellowish coloring — has been proven to have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help battle arthritis-related symptoms.

Go with olive oil. Although canola and vegetable oils are popular for cooking, olive oil is the preferred choice when reducing arthritis pain, experts say. A compound in olive oil called oleocanthal prevents the production of pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes – easing pain in the same way ibuprofen works.

AARP suggests adding olive oil to salad, tossing it with pasta, or using it to flavor vegetables.