Fighting inflammation is a critical part of any treatment for arthritis. In fact, it's an important part of fighting many other conditions, too, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and even aging. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural, safe ways to reduce inflammation in general and arthritis in particular.

1. Supplements are necessary.

Take a good quality anti-inflammatory supplement. Taken by themselves or together as part of a blend, Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin are all excellent choices.

Any anti-inflammatory diet should include eating fish or taking fish oil in a gel form (1,000 mg) once or twice a day. A multivitamin is recommended - as well as extra Vitamin C and E.

Also drink green tea and sprinkle ground flaxseed and anti-inflammatory spices such as: turmeric, ginger, rosemary and cayenne liberally on your food.

2. Avoid these foods.

It can help to cut out the two most common food allergens (gluten & dairy) for two weeks to see if you notice an improvement in your arthritis, or any other chronic symptom, for that matter.

You can help ease arthritis by cutting back on food portions, and eating less white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated fat.

3. Exercise half an hour daily.

Water aerobics and stretching are the best type of exercises for people with limited motion. Walking is great, too - the speed doesn't matter.

4. Meditation & prayer are very essential.

Meditation, yoga or deep breathing are all excellent forms of easing pain and assisting our bodies into aging.

Praying is so personal, please choose whatever method you desire, remembering that we do not know, or cannot know, everything that is best for us.

If you are worrying, complaining, and thinking negative thoughts, your pain will worsen and disease can eventually take over.

5. Get regular medical check-ups.

Your doctor can test your sedimentation rate to find if you have inflammation in your body or joints. You may not notice the inflammation so this is an important step.

Find a doctor who encourages natural methods of coping with illness. Sometimes surgery is necessary to improve mobility and pain; do not live in denial.

Supplements of the Month:

Vitamin C

Benefits of Vitamin C:

Vitamin C plays an essential role in the immune system. It is found in every cell of our body and performs various functions:

" Contribute to healthy bones.

" May help reduce allergy symptoms.

" Helps with inflammation and pain.

" Helps protect the fat-soluble vitamins A & E & fatty acids from oxidation.

" Aids in neutralizing pollutants.

" Needed for antibody production.

" Natural antihistamine properties.

" Help prevent periodontal disease.

" Aids in healing wounds.

" Aids iron absorption.

" Break down histamine.

" Offer potent antioxidant protection.

" Protect lung function.

Omega 3 Fish Oil

Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil:

'Take Your Vitamins' brand of Omega 3 Fish Oil is molecularly distilled to remove any residual heavy metals from the product.

The omega-3 essential fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), has been recognized by researchers as being vitally important to achieving optimal health, energy, and longevity. EPA and DHA are the building blocks for the cells in your vital organs and your body requires these Omega-3s to function properly.

Clinical research has shown EPA and DHA support:

" A Healthy Heart.

" A Healthy Brain.

" Increased Fat Burning.

" Balanced Mood.

" Healthy Joint Movement.

" Healthy Cholesterol and triglyceride Levels.

" A Healthy Immune System.

" Healthy Kidneys.

" Strength and Stamina.