Each of the body's major joints is surrounded by a sac that contains the fluid responsible for keeping the joint lubricated. This sac - called the bursa - can become inflamed giving rise to a condition called 'bursitis'. This usually causes pain and swelling in the joint which can make movement difficult. Bursitis normally affects large joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder or elbow. The inflammation characteristic of bursitis can often be reduced with the right diet and the use of specific supplements.

Cut down on red meats (especially beef), alcohol, tea, coffee, fried foods and acidic fruits, such as citrus fruits and strawberries, as all of these tend to encourage inflammation in the body. Base your diet around chicken, oily fish, rice and pasta and eat plenty of fruit (e.g. apples, pears and bananas) and fresh vegetables as these help to restore alkalinity in the body which is helpful in all joint related problems.

If you suffer from this condition, take a high strength fish oil supplement for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Take a capsule of concentrated fish oil rich in the essential fats EPA and DHA, 3 times a day.

Along with this, take a supplement called Celery Seed. Celery has alkalising, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in the body, all of which can help to reduce pain and stiffness. Take 1 capsule, 3 times a day.

Dr John Briffa is one of Britain's foremost experts in alternative health care - check out his columns in www.Channelhealth.tv for more information.