Juicing for Arthritis: What Juice benefits most?

(Last Updated On: November 4, 2019)

 

If you are suffering from Arthritis but wish to do away with its agonizing symptoms like pain and swelling, juicing surely can be an effective way. Just read on to find out why and how juicing is functional and which juices top the list in curbing arthritis.

Why is Juicing helpful for arthritis?

Food does have an effect on people suffering from arthritis. If you are suffering from arthritis and are still gorging on sugary, deep-fried, refined or processed food, then the pain and inflammation are not to subside in the near future.

Just skip these foods and make a place for fresh vegetables and fruits and mark the difference. The best way of having fresh fruits and vegetables in your everyday diet is probably juicing as it saves time and is just perfect for those who hate having these bland foods otherwise.

But be mindful, juicing cannot cure arthritis; it can only lessen the symptoms like inflammation thereby bringing some much-needed relief.

How does juicing help arthritis?

Juices of fruits and vegetables effectively reduce inflammation. This is because fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants like bromelain in pineapple and anthocyanins in berries which play an important role in the reduction of inflammation.

Actually all the metabolic processes and production of energy in our body lead to the formation of free radicals – an unsafe by-product. The free radicals attack the joints and cells causing pain and inflammation. The antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables are able to neutralize these free radicals and thus control inflammation.

Moreover, juicing controls body weight and with a decrease in body weight there is a reduction in the number of fat cells. The fat cells contain leptins which are a kind of protein that intensifies inflammation. So it is only natural that the lesser number of fat cells the less the inflammation.

Which juices help arthritis and how?

Juices made mostly from fruits, berries and vegetables are shown to be effective in curbing the degenerative effects caused by arthritis or gout. Let us know more about some of these……

Pomegranate juice – This particular juice is very effective for people down with rheumatoid arthritis. Having about 1/4th liter of pomegranate juice every day has been known to show remarkable effect in reducing joint pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Moreover, pomegranate juice is efficient in stopping production of the enzyme that damages cartilage. The juice has low cholesterol, fat, and sodium content but contains lots of minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants and these together fight against inflammation and other symptoms of arthritis.

Tart cherry juice is a powerhouse being very rich in anthocyanins which calm the inflamed tissues. Moreover, it is the go-to drink once you are done with your work-out since it lessens the soreness of your muscles and perks up your recovery time.

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The presence of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme, in pineapple juice is effective in controlling the symptoms of arthritis.

Lemon juice is very efficient in reducing both acidity and inflammation in your joints, stomach, and muscles. It is good for your liver function too.

Broccoli juice is rich in a compound called sulforaphane which is instrumental in blocking the inflammatory process and stopping the destruction of cartilage. This particular compound may also be found in cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and bok choy.

Ginger juice contains gingerols whose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have made ginger a must in the households of people suffering from arthritis. It has shown remarkable prowess in subsiding pain, swelling, inflammation and morning stiffness. Ginger contains a phenolic constituent, namely 6-gingerol, which is beneficial as it hinders the formation of free radicals. Actually 6-gingerol stops the formation of nitric oxide which is an initiator in the production of peroxynitrite – a very harmful free radical.

The principal ingredient in Turmeric juice is curcumin (diferuloylmethane) which forms 90 percent of the entire curcuminoid content leaving bis-demethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin to form the remaining 10 percent. Curcumin is hugely effective due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-tumor properties.

Curcumin not only reduces the catabolic effects but also scores in controlling pain and increasing mobility in patients afflicted with arthritis or gout. Turmeric is equally effective in being inhaled or used topically.

Also, juice made from fruits like mango, peaches, blueberries, grapes, and prunes has been found to be effective in controlling the symptoms of arthritis. Citrus vegetables and fruits like tomato, carrot, and oranges contain lots of Vitamin C which work as an antioxidant neutralizing the free radicals and thus providing relief from pain and swelling.

How about a few juice recipes?

Recipe 1 – Pineapple and Ginger juice

The ingredients are –

• Cucumber (Vitamin K) – 1
• Apple (Vitamin A & C) – 1
• Lemon – 1
• Celery stalks – 4
• Pineapple – 1 cup
• Spinach (Manganese, folate and Vitamin A & K) – 1 cup
• Ginger – a small piece

Well, we are well aware of the effectiveness of ginger, pineapple, and lemon already. Moreover, celery reduces bowel and stomach inflammation. You may prepare this sweet and tasty juice by chopping all the ingredients and juicing them.

Recipe 2 – Orange, ginger and turmeric juice

Ingredients –

• Orange – ½
• Ginger – 1 inch
• Turmeric – 1 inch

Juice all the ingredients together and add black pepper to it to bring the tang.

Recipe 3 – Pineapple, carrot and turmeric juice

The ingredients –

• Pineapple – 4 slices
• Carrot – 1 big
• Turmeric root – 4 small pieces
• Red grapes – 1 handful
• Ginger – 5 cm (2 in) piece
• Cherries – a handful

Wash the ingredients, remove the pits from the cherries, cut the pineapple and juice all the ingredients together to enjoy their benefits.

7  important tips to remember while juicing

1. Don’t forget the high sugar content of juices and the huge calories in them. So it is always advisable to add more vegetables in your juices than just fruits because calories will not only increase your weight but will also make you prone to other ailments. An 80:20 ratio of vegetables: fruits would be ideal.
2. Foods rich in omega-3 fats like walnuts, tofu, soybeans, flax seeds, and cold water fish are important for tackling arthritis and so adding any of these to your diet along with the juices is advisable.
3. Add some proteins like Greek yogurt or nuts to the juice to control the sugars.
4. The juice needs to be home-made and fresh to have the proper effect. Preservatives and processed juices are a total no-no.
5. Nightshade vegetables may have a detrimental effect on some people suffering from arthritis. So find how your body reacts to these vegetables and then only go ahead. Not all arthritis-friendly foods may be beneficial for you.
6. Juicing is not the be-all and end-all for arthritis control; include other foods in your diet to make it nutritious and wholesome.
7. The Mediterranean diet is the perfect anti-inflammatory diet as it lays stress on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fishes and hinders intake of bad fats and refined, processed carbohydrates and sugars.