Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Blog
A blog for and by people living with ASArchive for Treatments
3 Natural Remedies to Quell Pain
Many people with arthritis or chronic backache mix prescription meds with over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. But doubling up on nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may trigger further health troubles (such as gastrointestinal problems) and lead to a poorer quality of life health-wise, finds a new study. Though not as fast-acting as most NSAIDs, these three remedies — recommended by Scottsdale, Arizona-based naturopathic physician Nicole Barreda — can quell pain by easing inflammation.
Ginger
Research has shown that ginger, which is high in anti-inflammatory compounds, may work as well as NSAIDs for arthritis pain.
How to Take It
Look for supplements that deliver 2,000 to 4,000 mg per daily dose. Drinking ginger tea and eating fresh ginger can also help cool inflammation, says Barreda.
Bromelain
Shown to ease arthritis pain in a number of studies, this pineapple-derived enzyme appears to inhibit inflammatory compounds in the body called prostaglandins.
How to Take It
Swallow a 500-mg capsule of bromelain three times a day, preferably on an empty stomach. Even better, says Barreda, opt for a product containing multiple enzymes, like papain and chymotrypsin.
Curcumin
Research suggests that this staple of the curry spice turmeric — long used as an anti-inflammatory in Ayurvedic medicine – can improve symptoms of inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and IBS.
How to Take It
Three times each day, get 400 to 600 mg of curcumin in capsule form, preferably on an empty stomach.
Alternative Medicines
“1 in 4 people with ankylosing spondylitis have tried specific diets to relieve arthritis symptoms. Half of the people (46%) reported that they had less pain and stiffness when on special diets. Some people with AS have tried fasting periods and 2 in 3 people undertaking fasting reported less pain and stiffness….”
Natural Arthritis Remedy To Reduce Inflammation
scientists have found some very effective anti-inflammatory agents in our own kitchen. Some of them, like ginger, can be bought as a supplement. And due to ginger’s strong taste, this might be a preferable way of taking it to get the quantities you need for a significant anti-inflammatory effect. But others, like olive oil, can easily be integrated into the daily diet. Cinnamon is not commonly used as a supplement here, but in India it has a rich traditional use and may be available as part of an Ayurvedic supplement…. keep reading
