Food Alternatives to Medication
I was reading this article this morning: Natural Pain Relief (specifically for arthritis)
A few of the treatments they suggest aren't quite what I'd consider natural...alternative maybe, but there's nothing natural about accupuncture or injections. They may still work, but I'd want to research further and proceed under a doctor's supervision.
However, changes in diet can make fantastic changes in your health, and they're usually pretty safe to try. It's said that eating local honey can help with plant allergies (and I've read science articles that back up the logic here). At one point in college, I was suffering from anemia and had no idea what was going on. I researched my symptoms on WebMD.com and found that one possible cause could be a simple iron deficiency. I researched iron rich foods, and a bowl of total had me feeling instantly better.
Here's some foods, according to the article, that may help ease arthritis symptoms (more details on how and why they're thought to work in article itself):
Sulfur-Rich Foods
These foods include avocados, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, coconut, soy beans, and garlic.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish oils, flaxseed oils, green leafy vegetables and eggs.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
A diet high in antioxidants (think blueberries, cherries and artichokes),
Pretty much all the foods listed are generally considered healthy. Don't go overboard and start an all blueberry and avocado diet, but working foods from each these groups into your regular meals may help you feel better or help prevent certain conditions from ever forming.
Topically, Ice and Soft Tissue Massage may also help. I think in the article they're recommending professional level massages, but a friend, SO, or family member with a talent for gentle massage may be able to provide the necessary stimulation...or if it's a joint area you can reach yourself, it might be worth trying to learn how give your own joints the right stimulation.
The article also talks about some herbs and other plant based treatments that may help. I'm a little more skeptical with herbal remedies, particularly anything extracted or in pill or powder form (I mean cocaine is a plant extract). But it may be worth doing some additional research (mainly seeing how well these treatments have been researched), cause many herbs can be grown at home.
Taking an active role in your own health can save you a lot of money as it may reduce the need for medications and doctors visits. Keeping healthy habits may also reduce your insurance costs.
A few of the treatments they suggest aren't quite what I'd consider natural...alternative maybe, but there's nothing natural about accupuncture or injections. They may still work, but I'd want to research further and proceed under a doctor's supervision.
However, changes in diet can make fantastic changes in your health, and they're usually pretty safe to try. It's said that eating local honey can help with plant allergies (and I've read science articles that back up the logic here). At one point in college, I was suffering from anemia and had no idea what was going on. I researched my symptoms on WebMD.com and found that one possible cause could be a simple iron deficiency. I researched iron rich foods, and a bowl of total had me feeling instantly better.
Here's some foods, according to the article, that may help ease arthritis symptoms (more details on how and why they're thought to work in article itself):
Sulfur-Rich Foods
These foods include avocados, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, coconut, soy beans, and garlic.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish oils, flaxseed oils, green leafy vegetables and eggs.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
A diet high in antioxidants (think blueberries, cherries and artichokes),
Pretty much all the foods listed are generally considered healthy. Don't go overboard and start an all blueberry and avocado diet, but working foods from each these groups into your regular meals may help you feel better or help prevent certain conditions from ever forming.
Topically, Ice and Soft Tissue Massage may also help. I think in the article they're recommending professional level massages, but a friend, SO, or family member with a talent for gentle massage may be able to provide the necessary stimulation...or if it's a joint area you can reach yourself, it might be worth trying to learn how give your own joints the right stimulation.
The article also talks about some herbs and other plant based treatments that may help. I'm a little more skeptical with herbal remedies, particularly anything extracted or in pill or powder form (I mean cocaine is a plant extract). But it may be worth doing some additional research (mainly seeing how well these treatments have been researched), cause many herbs can be grown at home.
Taking an active role in your own health can save you a lot of money as it may reduce the need for medications and doctors visits. Keeping healthy habits may also reduce your insurance costs.