I was diagnosed with hip arthritis in my 30s. At one point, the pain got so bad, I literally found myself struggling to get out of bed. When colleagues at work asked me why I was limping, I figured it was time to see a doctor.
After getting an MRI, my doctor told me I had the hip of an 80-year-old. I was stunned by his diagnosis and a little angry that the pain was preventing me from doing my daily exercise routine.
Today, I live pain-free and no, I never had surgery. I did go to physical therapy for about 6 months which helped A LOT, but I attribute my results to a healthy lifestyle that includes daily stretches and specific foods and supplements.
So how can you treat arthritis naturally? The first step is to understand what arthritis actually is.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is when your joints get swollen or inflamed.
Arthritis is a blanket term for more than 100 different kinds of conditions that affect your joints, the tissues around them, and other connective tissues in your body.
Depending on which type of arthritis you have, the symptoms can change a bit. But simply put, you suffer from aches and stiffness in your joints.
Inflammation is a major part of arthritis. My doctor suggested I follow an anti-inflammatory lifestyle so I could calm my body’s inflammation storm.
4 tips to naturally ease arthritis pain!
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Say no to charred and blackened foods
It turns out that charred and blackened foods contain higher levels of compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds can trigger an inflammatory response in your body (and I should mention, AGE’s are associated with chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and liver disease).
But back to arthritis, bottom line, what’s on your plate matters a lot.
So, next time you’re grilling or cooking, avoid searing meats over high heat. Your joints will thank you!
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Get moving!
Exercise might be the last thing on your mind when you’re dealing with arthritis pain, but gentle movements and stretches can work wonders.
Here are a few you things you can try:
- Walking: It’s simple, but effective. Walking in the park or around your neighborhood can strengthen your muscles and improve joint flexibility.
- Swimming: Being in the water helps support your body’s weight, reducing strain on your joints while you still get a good workout.
- Yoga: Focus on gentle poses and stretches that improve flexibility and reduce stress. Remember, it’s about finding what feels good, not pushing into pain.
- Tai Chi: This gentle martial art is perfect for balance, flexibility, and mental well-being.
Here are some exercises that helped me with my hip arthritis pain
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Calm the inflammation storm
Here are some natural ways to reduce inflammation in your body:
- Eat omega-3 fatty acids: These are found in fish like salmon, trout and tuna. You can also find omega-3 fatty acids from plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts. All of these foods are great choices when it comes to reducing inflammation.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins that can contribute to inflammation.
- De-stress: Techniques like meditation and/or deep diaphragmatic breathing can lower stress, which in turn reduces inflammation.
- Acupuncture: I see an acupuncturist weekly to help balance my hormones and reduce symptoms of arthritis. The traditional Chinese practice involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissues throughout the body. Studies show it can help alleviate pain, tension and stress.
- CBD for inflammation: I’m a big fan of CBD gummies, tinctures and topicals from Equilibria. There is promising research that shows cannabidiol (CBD) – the non-intoxicating psychoactive compounds found in hemp and cannabis sativa plants – can reduce inflammation and pain.
Here’s my affiliate link to Equilibria, they sell curated women’s wellness products. I am releasing a blog about them soon. I’ll link it here once it’s ready.
Go to https://myeq.info/3Ii7qbw
Use code: liberte
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Anti-inflammatory herbs to the rescue
Nature has potent anti-inflammatory herbs that can be an excellent addition to your diet. Here are a few to consider:
- Turmeric: Thanks to curcumin, its active component, turmeric is a powerhouse at fighting inflammation. Just make sure you add some black pepper to enhance absorption.
- Ginger: Similar to turmeric, ginger is anti-inflammatory, which can reduce symptoms of arthritis.
- Green Tea: Loaded with antioxidants, green tea can help reduce inflammation and slow down the deterioration of cartilage.
Here are some delicious anti-inflammatory wellness shots you can make at home:
I find that when I incorporate these natural remedies into my daily routine, it makes a big difference in how I feel and whether or not my hip hurts. Keep in mind, I’m not a doctor and I encourage you to consult with your healthcare professional before making any major changes, especially when it comes to herbs and/or supplements. The information above is solely provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or treatment.
