Advice to help manage your arthritis pain

Inflammation control
Inflammation — the body's natural response to danger or damage — must always be carefully regulated to prevent over activation of the immune system and unwanted immune response. Many types of cells involved with the immune system - have been shown to alter their behavior in the presence of flavonoids. Prevention of excessive inflammation appears to be a key role played by many different chemical categories of flavonoids.

It is instrumental in keeping collagen, ligaments and tendons strong. Vitamin C also can block the effect of inflammatory substances. As vitamin C inhibits the breakdown of cartilage, it may be of help to those suffering from arthritis whose cartilage is often adversely affected. Although, avoid supplemental doses of Vitamin C since a recent study out of Duke University Medical Center suggests high doses of Vitamin C worsened osteoarthritis in the knee.

Spices that help prevent or manage arthritis
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Been used as a medicine since 600 BC for arthritis, digestive and skin disorders - it's one of five spices used in curry and has definitive ant-inflammatory capabilities.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a cure in Auyruvedic and Chinese medicine for stomachaches, nausea, rheumatism, and toothaches. It contains over 477 compounds with pharmacologic activity. Fresh ginger is used for common cold symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, low-grade temperature, and aches. Dried ginger is used for sluggish digestion, nausea and vomiting, poor circulation and arthritis.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)
Rosmarinic acid has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. You can also find it in peppermint, sage, thyme, oregano, basil and lemon balm.

Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)
Studies are accumulating that the pizza herb, oregano, is a powerful antioxidant. Like other antioxidants contained in fruits and vegetables, the compounds in oregano may help prevent the cell damage caused by free radicals - highly unstable oxygen molecules that steal electrons from other molecules they encounter. Free radical reactions are probably involved in inflammation, degenerative arthritis and the aging process in general. And evidence is accumulating that antioxidants may help relieve osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

In a test of nearly 100 plants in the mint family, of which oregano is a member, the pizza herb was the one that had the greatest total antioxidant activity. Research has shown the antioxidant activity of oregano and other medicinal mints is due in large part to rosmarinic acid, a compound with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties. Considering how highly it ranks for this kind of protection, oregano is definitely worth adding to your pizza, or any other food, if you have arthritis.

Fiery Nectarine Chutney
Makes 3 cups

This sweet and spicy chutney goes great with just about anything! Jalapenos and ginger possess anti-inflammatory properties which help alleviate aches and pains associated with arthritis. The nectarines, red pepper, orange and lime juice provide disease-fighting antioxidants and Vitamin C. Serve as a dip with crudités and baked tortilla chips, or spoon a few tablespoons on top of grilled fish, poultry, turkey sausages and veggie burgers. 

2 large, ripened nectarines (about 1 pound), finely chopped with skin
1 large red bell pepper, cut and chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
4 teaspoons minced, fresh jalapeño pepper (use more if you can take the heat!)
2 to 3 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons orange juice

In medium bowl, stir together nectarines, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, orange juice, sugar, salt, ginger, and allspice. Refrigerate until serving time.

Nutrition (per ¼ cup serving)
Calories: 19, Protein: 0, Carb: 5g, Fat: 0g, Sat Fat: 0g, Fiber: 1g, Sodium: 49 mg, Vitamin C: 23 mg

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