Healthy Joints – Good Habits for a Healthy Body
An estimated 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. This is the condition where the cartilage, the padding at the ends of the bones, wears away. The onset of osteoarthritis is mainly due to age but other factors, such as weight, diet and joint usage, can all contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Maintaining healthy joints is necessary if you want to be able to move freely and without pain in your advanced years. Employing even just a few of these tips can help you preserve your Healthy Joints and even slow the progression of osteoarthritis if you are already suffering from it.
Lose Weight – People who are overweight are much more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis in the hips and knees. This is because the extra weight you are carrying around is putting more pressure and strain on your joints than someone who is at a healthy weight. Losing weight will help relieve some of that pressure as well as alleviate joint pain. Not only will you feel and look great, but you’ll be able to move around easier. Taking off those extra pounds is one of the best things you can do to nurture healthy joints.
Exercise – When it comes to healthy joints, the axiom “Use it or lose it” fits only too well. Regular exercise promotes healthy joints. However, you have to be careful of the types of exercise you engage in. High impact activities, like running, can cause Healthy Joints to wear out faster. Low impact exercise, such as swimming and yoga, are great for keeping joints limber and pain free. Always check in with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen to make sure you do not have any health complications that an exercise routine would aggravate.
Diet – You are what you eat. There are certain foods that can help support Healthy Joints. Omega 3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect. This means adding foods like salmon, cod, flax seeds, and walnuts, can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Vitamin C & E help your body fight the aging process and Vitamin C, in particular, helps your body form collagen which is needed for healthy joints. Additionally, adding the supplement Glucosamine with Chondroitin can help prevent the loss of cartilage. It is possible to maintain Healthy Joints that will allow you to move around pain free. Just take the time to implement these tips and enjoy freedom of movement for the rest of your life.
