Bones and Joints

In Ayurveda bones and the skeletal system are closely related to the Vata dosha. Pain in the bones, hypertrophy or atrophy of the bones, discoloration and other pathological conditions of the hair and nails indicated disturbance of the Vata dosha. Arthritis is the main chronic disorder.
Some diet suggestions are as follows

> Eat plenty of calcium rich foods. These include goats milk, all leafy greens, salmon, sardines, tuna, whey and yoghurt.

> Include plenty of garlic and turmeric. Garlic is beneficial for circulation and both garlic and turmeric are anti-inflammatory.

> Eat fresh papaya and pineapple frequently. These fruits contain enzymes that help to reduce inflammation.

> Avoid nightshade vegetables. These include tomatoes, cayenne, egg plant, chilli peppers, and capsicum. These vegetables are high in alkaloids that affect the metabolism of calcium and cause calcium to be deposited in other areas of the body where it does not belong such as joints, kidneys.

> Use barley grass, or kelp to supply valuable minerals needed.

> Use heat to alleviate pain. Hot soaks with Epsom salts/Himalayan salt.

> Alfalfa sprouts contain minerals that help to clean the blood and reduce inflammation.