Before you pay ridiculous prices for prescription medication to reduce arthritis symptoms, it's worth considering what alternative medicine health care can do to help you. Alternative medicine health care can be as simple as making simple amendments to your diet. The pain from arthritis results from having inflamed bones and joints. Although I'm only 31, I contracted pneumonia a few years back and it left me with a mildly arthritic neck and shoulder, so I know how painful it can be. Consequently, I take certain measures to reduce the soreness. First, I avoid eating too many saturated fats and simple carbohydrates because alternative medicine health care experts claim that they increase inflammation. Furthermore, I include certain foods and supplements in my diet. For example, I regularly cook with the spices turmeric and ginger, both of which contain chemicals that act in a similar way to anti-inflammatory medication. I also take an Omega 3 capsule every day. The fatty acids contained in this supplement curb the production of enzymes that erode cartilage. Additionally, I use extra-virgin olive oil in my recipes because alternative medicine health care experts claim that it contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Finally, I take a good quality multi vitamin that contains the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, because I know it will protect my body from the damaging effects of free radicals that may aggravate the swelling in my neck and shoulder.