Osteoarthritis

 Print This Post

OSTEOARTHRITIS – ROLE OF NATURO-FOOD THERAPY

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS ?

1.       There are about 200 types of arthritis which can be broadly divided into rheumatoid (an auto-immune inflammatory disease) and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis a degenerative disease, is the most common. It affects primarily the weight-bearing joints like the hip or knees, but may also affect the spine and hands as well. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, that normally covers and cushions the ends of the bone, breakdown due to age or excessive wear and tear. As bone rubs against bone, the joint loses shape and alignment; the ends of the bone thicken and form bony growths called spurs; and bits of cartilage or bone can float within the joint space. The result is stiff, swollen, aching joints.

BENEFICIAL FOODS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

2.       The following natural foods should prove helpful in preventing or curing Osteoarthritis :-

Fruits : Citrus fruits like oranges, and grapefruits, apples, pineapple, papaya, pears, bananas, avocado, figs, cherries, all berries like strawberries and blueberries.

Vegetables and Salads : Green leafy vegetables like spinach, and radish (mooli) leaves, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, asparagus, beets, cauliflower, aubergines, mushrooms, green beans, peas, squash, turnips, radishes, lettuce, okra, kale, watercress, peppers, potatoes with skin. Sprinkle parley or squeeze fresh lemon juice on cooked  vegetables.

Herbs and Spices : Onions, ginger, garlic, turmeric (haldi), wheatgerm, honey, parsley, apple cider vinegar, dandelion coffee, evening primrose oil, spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, seaweed, wheatgrass juice, black pepper, cumin seeds (jeera), fennel (saunf), caraway seeds (ajwain).

Nuts, Seeds, Dried Fruits : Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds (alsi), raisins especially black, figs, prunes.

Wholegrains : Millets (bajra), brown rice, soya milk, wheat, corn, rye, buckwheat, quinoa in moderation only as they are acidic in nature.

Dairy Foods : Skimmed milk and its products like cottage cheese, yoghurt and butter- milk (lassi), whey water. Raw goat milk yoghurt is very beneficial. Avoid full fat milk products like cheddar cheese, meat (especially red).