Women's Christian Book Club

Keep in mind you may have been told that you have arthritis and you experience stiffness, pain and swelling. But this malady doesn't have you. You can fight back. There are nutritional considerations and natural remedies that might provide relief.

• nih.gov provides information about foods to avoid if living with arthritis or joint pain. Vegetable and plants that are classified as 'night shades' contain a substance called solanine. Some persons are sensitive to solanine. (Smokers keep in mind that tobacco is also a night shade plant). Consider keeping a food dairy to determine if any foods are contributing to stiffness, pain and swelling.
• 2 WATER is essential for our body. Our body is 60% water and needs water to function properly. (Brain, heart, lungs, digestive system, joints etc.) To stay well hydrated drink 1/2 ounce of water to every pound of body weight. A few things that may occur from dehydration are confusion, blurry vision, headaches, joint pain and discomfort and constipation. (There can be other causes for these problems also. Always consult with your physician if any of those issues are new or are ongoing. Important to consult with your doctor if you have kidney problems or are on a fluid restricted diet).
• 3 For topical application only - Saturate cotton cloth or cotton muslin with hexane free extra virgin cold pressed castor oil. Apply cloth on painful area. Place plastic wrap over cloth then apply a Warm not Hot heating pad for only ten to fifteen minutes. (Longer is NOT better.) **(Do not use on extremities if diabetic or if you have problems with circulation. TO PREVENT BURNS, DO NOT GO TO SLEEP WITH HEATING PAD).