Sore, aching joints? Try these five natural alternatives instead.
- Go fish
Clinical trials have found that eating three grams of fish fats a day relieves the joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis and reduces the need for drugs.
- Consider acupuncture
In a US study of 570 volunteers with arthritis of the knee, those who received acupuncture reported the biggest drop in pain and stiffness — their improvement was almost double that of those who didn’t receive treatment. For a qualified acupuncturist, visit the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association atwww.acupuncture.org.au.
- Try guided imagery
This is an inexpensive, easy-to-learn treatment with no side effects, that has been shown to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve mobility. During a session (either with a therapist or on your own with a tape or CD), you are guided through a relaxation exercise and learn to internalise hypnotic suggestions to control your response to pain. To locate a practitioner or to purchase tapes, visitwww.musicandimagery.org.au.
- Give glucosamine a go
Recent research offers x-ray evidence that this supplement slows joint damage. To see results, you need to take 1500mg of glucosamine daily. Benefits usually kick in after four to eight weeks.
- Get extra vitamin C
In a 10-year study, people with arthritis who consumed the most vitamin C (between 150 and 450mg daily) were three times less likely to have their condition worsen than those who consumed the least C. Adding even just one 100mg tablet — or two oranges — to your daily diet will make a difference.
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