Whether your challenge is rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or osteoarthritis, we’ve gathered together various strategies to help you manage joint pain. Take charge of your wellness by trying these tips, and see which work best for you.

a healthy diet

Not all fat is bad for you. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are just that—essential to your health. EFAs appear to relieve arthritis pain and fight inflammation, while the gamma linoleic acid (GLA) in omega 6 helps inflammatory arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis, a combination of psoriasis and arthritis) as well as osteoarthritis.

EFAs must come from our diet or supplements, as our bodies can’t make them on their own. Most appear in the form of omega-3 fatty acids (from cold-water fish like wild salmon or fish oils, as well as black walnuts and flaxseed) or omega 6s (raw nuts, as well as sesame and grape seed oils). Eggs from hens that have been fed special feed are also a good source of omega 3.

A recent study shows that olive oil also contains a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that may relieve pain. Test results find that a daily 1.75-ounce dose of freshly pressed, extra-virgin olive oil equals about 10 percent of the ibuprofen dose recommended for adult pain relief. Like aspirin, which researchers believe benefits health over time if taken regularly, consuming low daily doses of olive oil may relieve chronic inflammation, which is thought to play a role in many diseases from cancer to heart disease.

To ensure you are getting enough antioxidants like selenium and vitamins E and C, which fight the cellular damage that can contribute to joint pain, eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Good sources of vitamin C include red peppers, oranges, asparagus, and broccoli. Or take 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C in supplement form. Vitamin E can be found in green beans, Brussels sprouts, seeds, and nuts. An often-recommended dosage of E is 400 to 800 IU (international units) per day in supplement form.

popular supplements

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are found naturally in our body’s cartilage, which acts as a cushion between bones inside joints. People with osteoarthritis, a disease caused by abnormal wearing down of joint cartilage, often take glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to relieve pain. Research indicates that these supplements may build and restore joint cartilage, and chondroitin may protect existing cartilage from premature degeneration. Both glucosamine and chondroitin come in capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid form and are often taken in combination with each other or with other dietary supplements.

Glucosamine is sourced from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells. Chondroitin comes from bovine or shark cartilage or can be made in a lab. Studies show that some people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who take either substance experience a similar level of pain relief as when they take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs—pronounced n-seds) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. People with diabetes should consult their doctor before taking glucosamine because it may influence blood sugar levels. Also, those allergic to shellfish should not take glucosamine without a doctor’s consent, as it is made from shellfish covering. Children, pregnant women, and women who could become pregnant should not take these supplements since their effects on a child or on a developing fetus have not been studied long enough.

Consult your doctor about appropriate dosages. The amount used in studies is typically 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate and 1,200 mg of chondroitin sulfate per day. Glucosamine and chondroitin are not fast acting, so expect to wait a few days to several weeks before you see improvement.

meds

NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for joint pain. Ibuprofen and aspirin are the best known. Be sure to take these medications with food to prevent side effects like nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Analgesic pain fighters don’t relieve inflammation, which makes them less irritating to the stomach than NSAIDs. The most popular analgesic is acetaminophen, which is often recommended as a first form of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis pain. Both NSAIDs and analgesics are available in over-the-counter and prescription forms. A combination of both is sometimes prescribed for intense pain; follow dosage carefully.

healing foods

Studies indicate that these foods may help in the battle against joint pain:

• anchovies
  
• apples
  
• broccoli
  
• cantaloupe
  
• curry
  
• fish
  
• garlic
  
• grapefruit and other citrus fruits
  
• grapes
  
• mango
  
• nuts
  
• oysters
  
• papaya
  
• spinach and other leafy greens

SELECTED SOURCES
Arthritis for Dummies by Barry Fox, PhD, Nadine Taylor, MS, RD, and Jinoos Yazdany, MD ($19.99, Wiley, 2004) } “Beware the High-Fat Alternative,” www.drnorthrup.com } “Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate,” Arthritis Foundation, ww2.arthritis.org } “Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Topic Overview”; “Olive Oil May Have Pain-Relieving Properties,” www.webmd.com } “Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and the Two in Combination for Painful Knee Osteoarthritis” by D. O. Clegg et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2/23/06 } “Glucosamine Supplements: Can They Rebuild Cartilage?”, www.mayoclinic.com } “Phytochemistry: Ibuprofen-Like Activity in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil” by Gary K. Beauchamp et al., Nature, 9/1/05 } Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC ($24.95, Avery, 2006

Corn and Black Bean Tostadas
From the Taste for Life test kitchen
15 minutes prep time | Serves 6

6 tostada shells
1 (15 1/2-oz) can black beans, rinsed, drained, and warmed
1-1/2 c cooked corn
1 c grated low-fat Monterey jack cheese, optional
1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
1/2 c low-fat sour cream
1 tomato, diced
6 sprigs of parsley or cilantro

1. Preheat broiler. Warm tostada shells as directed on package.

2. Divide beans and corn evenly on top of each tostada.

3. Sprinkle with cheese if using. Broil until cheese melts.

4. Top each tostada with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of sour cream.

5. Garnish with diced tomato and a sprig of parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.

Per serving: 155 Calories, 6 g Protein, 30 g Carbohydrates, 6 g Fiber, 3 g Total fat (1 g sat), 234 mg Sodium, Vitamin K, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), C, Molybdenum