Rheumatoid Arthritis - Spice Up Your Life to Fight Inflammation and Pain

Many readers have recently asked for a list of *spices and *herbs that I use to help me with inflammation and pain.

There are several staples in my daily diet that have helped me. This is only a partial list, you may know of others that have helped you. If so, I'd love to hear about them.

Turmeric – It’s main active ingredient curcumin is good for inflammation but research shows it’s also good in fighting many diseases. In India this colorful spice is known as 'Holy Powder' and has been used for centuries in treating infections, wounds, and other health problems. Recent research has shown it’s a wonderful antioxidant, antiviral, anti-cancer, antibiotic, and is being used by health care practitioners for relief of congestion, Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions.

Black Pepper - Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices and I use pepper with every meal and lots of it. I prefer peppercorns and like it coursely ground. Black pepper is known to improve digestion by stimulating the taste buds and thereby alerting the stomach to increase hydrochloric secretion. It’s also an antioxidant, and has antibacterial effects. The outer layer of the peppercorn helps stimulate the breakdown of fat cells,....good news for us who struggle with our weight!

Cinnamon - Cinnamon with it's healthy dose of manganese also helps eliminate and prevent the clumping of blood platelets. Did you know the scent of cinnamon can boost brain function, yes, smelling cinnamon can improve your memory. These days who doesn’t need that? It also helps stop the growth of bacteria and for people with type 2 diabetes researchers claim cinnamon can help them respond to insulin and thereby normalize their blood sugar levels. I love cinnamon toast and it's sometimes my bedtime treat with a tiny bit of honey and butter. Yum! It puts me right to sleep.

Cayenne - Benefits of cayenne pepper are endless it seems. It fights inflammation, prevents stomach ulcers, boosts immunity, offers pain relief, has cardiovascular benefits, and helps clear congestion. No matter what ails you a dose of cayenne will help you out and it’s full of vitamin A. I use Cayenne pepper every day, from eggs at breakfast to my bean salad at lunch or stir-fry for dinner. I love the flakes too, especially in soups or on pizza.

Ginger - I drink fresh ginger tea often especially in a flare and researchers support the fact it gives relief to those who suffer chronic inflammation like Rheumatoid Arthritis. In one study +75 percent of those participating reported relief from both pain and swelling. Dosage will depend on your condition and advice from your health care practitioner. I use fresh slices of ginger to hot water and let seep for about 5 minutes in my coffee pot, pour and add organic honey to taste. It's good for an upset stomach or digestive disorders too.

Licorice - This can works in the body like cortisone without harmful side-effects.

Parsley - I use parsley in my morning juice. It’s added in with carrots, celery, garlic clove and beet slices. Parsley is effective in flushing uric acid from the tissues to ease pain in our joints. I use one handful per juicing. I never cook parsley, it's a garnish for my meals added as a topper.

Whatever *spice or *herb tickles your fancy enjoy them everyday.

'Spice Up Your Life' and enjoy the many health benefits. Diet changes can lessen pain, decrease inflammation in the body and extend ones longevity.

Here is a great link I encourage you to read: http://www.agingwellmag.com/archive/spring08p20.shtml

You may also enjoy my post on the benefits of Garlic.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - Immune Support with Raw Garlic

'Good Health to You'

Helpful link:
http://heartspring.net/anti_inflammation_herbs.html

*Consult your Health Care Practitioner before adding spice or herbs to your diet while taking medications since interactions can occur.

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.