The hot, humid weather may be taking a toll on your joints as you embark on summertime activities. You're not alone if you've been noticing more aches and pains since the mid-year months have arrived.
That's completely normal and there are a few things you can do to get rid of it. A really good place to start is with food, feeding your body the nutrients it needs. And as it turns out, olive oil for joint pain might be a way to find relief from those aches.
Olive Oil Can Reduce Swelling and Pain in Arthritic Joints
Inflammation is the body's response to any kind of damage or trauma that's present. It's our body's attempt to protect itself. When you have too much inflammation, and it lasts too long, the pain associated with it can be debilitating. When we reduce inflammation in our bodies, pain is reduced as well. This is where over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines excel.
The oil from olives won't cure your arthritis, but it may help you feel better. That's because olive oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. The same acids can be found in oily fish such as salmon, or in flax seeds. Omega-3 works as an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce swelling and pain in arthritic joints.
When taken in therapeutic dosages, EVOO can reduce inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis and muscle pain. This is because its specific combination of healthy fats and antioxidants can lower aches and pains at the source.
A study of subjects with arthritis concluded that ingesting an olive oil supplement reduced joint pain, morning stiffness, and hand muscle grip. Another study found that taking a supplement of olive oil was associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers in the blood of subjects with arthritis.
A recent study suggests that increasing your intake of oleic acid, found in olive oil, could reduce levels of C-reactive protein in your blood - an inflammatory marker associated with the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis.
Olive oil has numerous compounds that have profound effects on the body. The secret of its healing properties lies in a compound called oleocanthal, which has an anti-inflammatory effect similar to that of ibuprofen.
How to Alleviate Arthritis by Consuming Olive Oil
Researchers say that about 3 1/2 teaspoons of the oil are equal to a 200-mg tablet of ibuprofen. Adding olive oil to your diet is simple. When you enjoy it raw, it helps to preserve the antioxidants and heart-healthy fats that are in it.
Add it to salads, vegetables and soups. Or dip bread into it or use it for cooking. Olive oil may lower the need to take ibuprofen but talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medicine use.
You can achieve many health benefits by following a Mediterranean diet if you have arthritis. This diet consists mainly of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and very little red meat.
If you decide to try making any changes to your diet, talk to your doctor about how it could affect your arthritis through any other health conditions you might have.