Food for Thought

The following foods are good for muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and joints. These foods are good for arthritis sufferers.

Sulfur rich foods such as asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions help in the absorption of calcium. Sulfur is used to repair and rebuild bone, cartilage and connective tissue.

Fresh vegetables, especially green leafy ones*, nonacidic fresh fruits, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, fish, soybean products and avocados are healthy foods.

Red cherries can relieve pain and inflammation. Twenty red cherries per day is recommended.

Turmeric, an herb often used in curry, is a great anti-inflammatory and can also help relieve pain.

Fresh pineapple contains bromelain an enzyme that can reduce inflammation.

Foods rich in magnesium help increase calcium absorption. Dried seaweeds, beans, whole grains especially buckwheat, nuts and seeds and high-chlorophyll foods contain magnesium.

Some foods should be avoided, if you suffer from inflammation, joint trouble, or arthritis.

Nightshade foods such as white potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers should be avoided. They can add to inflammation and contain a substance that can be irritating for people who have arthritis.

Reduce the amount of fat in your diet, especially from dairy products and red meat.

Avoid caffeine if possible. Caffeine speeds up the nerve impulses and can intensify pain.

Also avoid sugar, salt, tobacco and alcohol.

Spinach, chard and beet greens contain oxalic acid, which tends to inhibit calcium absorption. If the calcium isn¹t absorbed into the bones it can be absorbed into the muscles and other soft tissues where it can cause pain and stiffness.

Cold and Flu Season

Chinese medicine has some great herbal remedies for colds and flu. Some patients like to have them readily available so they can take them at the first sign of illness, others call when they need them. They are available in either a liquid concentrate or pill form.

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