Arthritis is a common condition that affects about 10 million people in the UK, according to the NHS.
The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis is caused by a gradual wearing down of the smooth cartilage that lines the joints.
Arthritis symptoms can include joint pain, stiffness, restricted movement, and muscle wasting.
There’s currently no cure for arthritis, but some treatments may help to relieve painful arthritis symptoms.
You could reduce joint pain and inflammation by adding ginger, turmeric or boswellia supplements to your diet, a nutritionist has claimed.
Ginger
Ginger supplements have an anti-inflammatory effect, and could reduce arthritis symptoms in patients, according to Dr Josh Axe.
The spice eases pain, while also improving overall digestive and gut health, he said.
It also prevents the inflammatory response that accompanies arthritis joint pain.
“Ginger contains chemicals that may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on the body,” the nutritionist said.
“Ginger extract derived from Zingiber officinale and Alpina galanga plant species inhibits the induction of several genes involved in the inflammatory response.”
Turmeric
Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatories from natural sources, the nutritionist revealed.
Adding turmeric supplements to your diet could reduce inflammation, swelling and even slow the destruction of joints.
“While arthritis cannot be cured, it seems that a high dose of curcumin can be just as [or more] effective than at least the most common medication prescribed for the condition,” he said.
Inflammation is the root of most diseases, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and some cancers.
Boswellia
Boswellia is also known as Indian Frankincense, and again, helps to reduce inflammation.
You can supplement boswellia as a therapeutic oil that can be massaged directly onto the skin.
The supplement could boost the overall immune system, and prevent inflammatory processes in the body.
“Combine several drops of pure frankincense oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and apply to the painful joint area several times daily,” said Axe.
“Other beneficial essential oils for arthritis that can be used in similar ways include myrrh, turmeric, ginger, orange, peppermint and lavender oils.”
