Stretching out in a bath helps relieve pain by limiting the pull of gravity on your joints. Also, the warm water helps ease tight muscles.
Temperatures from 92 to 100 degrees are generally the most therapeutic according to arthritis.org.
One cause of inflammation is low magnesium. Soaking in Epsom salts is a relaxing way to boost your reserve. You can also get magnesium from avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Caution to diabetics: Magnesium can stimulate insulin release.
When joints feel stiff, get active! Moderate activity can relieve pain by releasing endorphins. Movement also improves circulation, which helps your body make better use of anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Choose low-impact (joint-friendly) activities such as swimming, recumbent biking and brisk walking.
Your body can use omega-3 fatty acids to limit inflammation… but omega-3s only come from diet! Top sources of omega-3s include organic broccoli, eggs, flaxseed oil, oats, tofu, walnuts, fish and seafood.
dr.delights cannabis tinctures have omega-rich bases sourced from plants.
Turmeric is among the tastier pain relievers. This yellow-orange spice contains curcumin, a compound that works against inflammation.
Turmeric is mainly associated with savory curries, but it enhances sweet dishes too. You can also buy turmeric capsules.
Cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup might bring a quick mood boost, but they also trigger inflammation. That’s partly because they help form advanced glycation end products, which cause oxidation.
Some feel-better options are honey and stevia.
To minimize inflammation of the digestive system, get a daily dose of cultured food such as kombucha, yogurt or sauerkraut.
Also see our collection of anti-inflammatory foods from A to Z.
When muscles are sore from overuse, self-massage or professional massage can relieve pain. The right motions trigger a drop in cytokines (proteins that cause inflammation). They also stimulate the production of mitochondria to support healthy muscles.
Massage may also boost mood with serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals.
Hydration is essential to pain prevention. This is partly because water helps form connective tissues that reduce shock to your bones. Some healthy choices for hydration are spring water, herbal tea, low-sugar smoothies and vegetable soups.
A diet rich in cannabis leaves may be anti-inflammatory thanks in part to THC-A. In smoothie form, THC-A can help relieve pain without getting you high!
Cannabis leaves also work against inflammation with vitamin C, magnesium and other nutrients.