M07 Rheumatism
Is rheumatism preventable? Why joint pain is not
coincidence and what you can do with nutrition and
Natural healing methods to treat rheumatism
to prevent.
Many of our customers at Kalter Bruder© have already asked us to what extent the cooling gel also helps with rheumatic pain - unfortunately without being able to give a clear yes or no from us. The sensation of cold and heat can be extremely different in each case of rheumatism and it also makes biological sense, as we will try to explain in more detail in this article. Rheumatism has long been one of the most common complaints in later adulthood and unfortunately conventional medicine has not yet successfully combatted the causes. Today we will show you how rheumatic complaints arise, what you can do to prevent them and how best to relieve acute pain.
Did you know? Animals with rheumatism – A
amazing insight into the animal world
Did you know that not only humans but also animals can suffer from rheumatism? This is particularly noticeable in older dogs and cats, who often suffer from similar joint pain to us. A study by the University of Cambridge found that up to 20% of all dogs over the age of seven suffer from some form of arthritis. Just like with humans, a healthy diet and the right amount of exercise can significantly improve the quality of life of these animals. This knowledge helps us to understand rheumatism as a widespread and multifaceted health problem.
Understanding rheumatism: causes and development
Rheumatism is an umbrella term for various inflammatory diseases that mainly affect the joints. But did you know that organs and connective tissue can also be affected? When organs are affected, it means that the heart, lungs or kidneys can also be affected, leading to serious health problems. Connective tissue is the tissue that connects and supports your organs and other tissues in the body, and damage to it can lead to general pain and weakness.
The role of the immune system
Your immune system is normally your protective shield against diseases. In rheumatic diseases, however, it goes crazy and mistakenly attacks its own tissue. This leads to the typical inflammation and pain in the joints. An overactive immune system can be activated by various triggers, such as infections or stress.
Signs of an overactive immune system can include frequent inflammation, chronic fatigue, skin rashes and allergies. To reduce the activity of your immune system to a normal level, it is important to reduce stress, eat a healthy diet and incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. Getting enough sleep also plays a crucial role.
What exactly are inflammations?
Inflammation is your body's natural response to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells or irritants. It often manifests itself as redness, swelling, warmth and pain. Short-term inflammation is part of the healing process, but chronic inflammation can lead to serious diseases such as rheumatism.
Nutrition as the key to prevention
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of rheumatism. A balanced diet plays a key role in this.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They are found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, but also in linseed and walnuts. For efficient absorption of Omega-3, we recommend the algae oil from NORSAN. We have covered the topic in great detail in our article on Omega-3, which you should definitely read if you have rheumatic complaints.
Natural healing methods to support
In addition to diet, there are also natural healing methods that can help you prevent and relieve rheumatism.
Cold and heat
The use of cold and heat can have different effects on rheumatic complaints. Cold can help reduce acute inflammation and pain by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow. Heat, on the other hand, can relieve chronic pain by increasing blood flow and relaxing tense muscles. Find out what works best for you by trying both methods.
acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that can relieve pain and reduce inflammation by inserting needles into specific points on the body. Studies have shown that acupuncture can produce significant improvement in symptoms for many patients.
Phytotherapy
Phytotherapy, the treatment with herbal medicines, offers many possibilities. Willow bark, boswellia and devil's claw are just some of the plants that can help with rheumatic complaints. They have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Note: Be careful with self-medication
Before you try new nutritional supplements or natural healing methods, always talk to your doctor or alternative practitioner first. Especially with chronic diseases such as rheumatism, it is important that all measures are coordinated and possible interactions with other medications are taken into account.
Good and bad foods for rheumatism
Here you will find an overview of which foods are helpful for rheumatism and which you should avoid:
| Good food | |
| Salmon | Anti-inflammatory |
| Walnuts | Rich in Omega-3 |
| Leafy vegetables | Antioxidants |
| Berry | Antioxidants |
| turmeric | Anti-inflammatory |
| Ginger | Pain-relieving |
| linseed | Omega-3 fatty acids |
| Bad food | |
| Red meat | Inflammatory |
| Sugar | Inflammatory |
| Fried foods | Inflammatory |
| White flour products | Inflammatory |
| alcohol | Inflammatory |
| Processed foods | Chemicals & Preservatives |
Further scientific studies
A comprehensive 2019 Mayo Clinic study of over 1,000 patients confirmed the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids on reducing inflammation and joint pain. Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, found that a combination of diet and moderate exercise can reduce symptoms in rheumatism patients by up to 30%.
Practical tips for use
- Dietary change: Include more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. It is best to use fish or algae oil, as this is the most efficient way to absorb omega-3.
- Exercise: Regular, joint-friendly exercise such as swimming, aqua training or yoga can keep the joints mobile and the muscles strong.
- Natural remedies: Try teas or supplements containing turmeric and ginger. However, be careful with the dosage and consult a specialist first.
Conclusion: What you can take away for yourself
Rheumatism does not have to be an inevitable fate. With the right diet and supportive natural healing methods, you can do a lot to reduce the inflammation in your body and improve your quality of life. Remember to always take a holistic approach and integrate both diet, exercise and natural healing approaches into your daily routine. This way you can not only prevent rheumatism, but also improve your general health.
