Arthritis manifests in the form of joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. These symptoms progress with time if untreated, leading to a diminishing range of motion. The over 100 types of this chronic inflammatory disorder are classified based on the causative factors and affected joint area. However, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the commonest types. Age, sex, family history, previous joint injury, and obesity are the commonest arthritis risk factors.
The primary objective of arthritis treatment is pain management. However, rheumatoid arthritis patients can also take immunosuppressants. If you are suffering from arthritic pain and joint stiffness, give the following simple smoothies a shot:
1. Tart cherries
These sour cherries contain anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. The compound, a flavonoid, is an antioxidant that is particularly effective in treating symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Tart cherries smoothie also comes with the added benefit of containing valuable vitamins that boost your immune system. Arthritis patients who regularly take tart cherries smoothie enjoy better health and a reduced risk of obesity or overweight. The flavonoids in tart cherries, especially anthocyanins, also have anti-aging properties while also reducing the risk of heart problems. The melatonin in these cherries also improves sleep quality, leading to less fatigue and better mental and physical health. Additionally, these compounds also help in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is considered a superfood because of high curcumin and quercetin levels, bioactive compounds with numerous medicinal and therapeutic benefits. The compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that effectively alleviate stiffness and pain associated with chronic arthritic inflammation. A turmeric smoothie, prepared in combination with black pepper, green tea, or berries, is a natural and highly efficacious pain management option. These free radicals damage the body through their oxidative activities, leading to arthritis—the antioxidant properties of turmeric help neutralize these radicals while boosting enzymatic activities. Therefore, turmeric smoothie is recommended to treat rheumatoid arthritis and prevent other medical conditions, including heart problems. Arthritis patients taking turmeric smoothies also enjoy the added benefit of boosted brain activity and alertness.
3. Matcha green tea
Matcha green tea contains powerful antioxidants with strong therapeutic properties. Eradication of harmful free radicals is critical in treating chronic inflammation around the joints, which causes arthritis. Caffeine and other compounds found in matcha green tea also help improve and sustain brain activity and energy levels for an extended period without any side effects. You not only get to alleviate arthritic pain but also enjoy greater relaxation and reduced chances of suffering from heart diseases and cancer. Arthritis patients battling obesity also enjoy increased burning of fats and weight loss.
4. Spinach
Spinach smoothies have unique health benefits that extend beyond the treatment of arthritis. Like many natural smoothies, a healthy intake of spinach juice helps in pain treatment due to its antioxidant properties. These antioxidants include beta carotene, ferulic and coumaric acids, and lutein. Spinach smoothie also improves your vision while reducing cancer cell growth and hypertension.
5. Dark berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are readily available yet nutrient-rich. These berries contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as anthocyanins. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds help in the treatment of arthritic pain. A dark berries smoothie also contains several vitamins and fiber.
