Dealing with arthritis can be debilitating, that goes without saying. However, this does not mean that you must stop living your life altogether. Arthritis may not currently be curable, but it can be carefully managed to enable you to make the most of your days. Furthermore, it is even possible to resume some of your activities that were previously halted owing to recurrent flare-ups and excruciating pains that affect mobility.
All you need to do is make some simple but mindful lifestyle changes.
Remember, arthritis does not have to take your life away and while these lifestyle changes are no cure in themselves, they can definitely help to alleviate your discomfort and help you live the best you can with arthritis!
A majority of our health problems arise from excess weight. Those with arthritis especially need to keep their weight in check because it can aggravate flare-ups and therefore intensify their agony. When a person carries surplus poundage around, their joints have no choice but to bear that weight. This can wreak havoc on the joints of an arthritic person, which are already subject to inflammation, stiffness and damage owing to the disease.
But the troubles of an overweight person with arthritis does not just end here. According to Arthritis Foundation, research reveals that obese people have an increased tendency of developing arthirits in their hands. The body fat in overweight individuals releases certain chemicals that promote inflammation, which is a major culprit for arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation also goes on to say that for every pound lost by a person, the stress on their knees diminishes by four times!
Consequently, it is suggested that you consult your physician about the optimum weight for your body and then try your best to maintain that. This will not only ensure that your joints are relieved of the added pain but will also reduce flare-ups and maintain good health.
You may have heard this statement a million times before but it is worth reiterating it for the sake of this post. Eating healthy has a two-pronged effect. It will not only keep arthritic flare-ups at bay but also ensure that you maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients makes for overall improved health.
As mentioned earlier, arthritis is mainly caused by inflammation, which is why it is recommended that arthritic people stay away from inflammatory foods. A Mediterranean diet that primarily consists of extra virgin olive oil, fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and tuna, vegetables and fruits including blackberries, cherries and strawberries, is highly recommended.
Also consider including walnuts, pistachios and almonds in your diet since they are filled with monounsaturated fats that resist inflammation. Additionally, foods such as onions, beans and nightshades (caution: some people are allergic to the nightshade family!) are beneficial for those with arthritis.
Try to consume fiber-rich foods that not only aid with digestion but also help lower C-reactive proteins which act as an inflammation marker in the blood. Avoid processed and highly salted foods and regulate your drinking habits.
This may seem counterintuitive at first but physical activity, including exercise, can be immensely beneficial for managing arthritis. Better yet, exercising and being physically active can prevent you from gaining excess weight and thereby attracting flare-ups that are intensely painful to bear. Additionally, exercise promotes joint flexibility, puts you in a good mood and even reduces pain during flare-ups.
However, any such activities must be properly guided by your physician and done with moderation in order to avoid worsening your condition. The trick is to listen to your body and make adjustments according to how you feel. Experiencing increased stiffness and pain? Give walking or mild stretching a try. Feeling like you can push yourself a little, attempt at pilates or a little yoga. Seems like you can conquer the world today? Go ahead and do some cycling or strength training.
Again, make sure that your exercise routine is guided by an expert trainer or physician, modified in accordance with your specific conditions and is built progressively over time .
Don’t be afraid of getting your body in some action. You will thank yourself later!
You know this one already. But it makes an enormous difference in your quality of life with arthritis when you ACTUALLY implement it.
Stress is a major trigger for arthritis which is why If you feel that you are constantly stressed then you need to take stress-management seriously. Try doing yoga, meditation, writing in a journal and talking to a therapist to reduce your stress levels. If you feel like your routine is becoming stressful, plan a short vacation with friends and family to get out of the daily grind for a while. Connect with other people who have arthritis through communities, groups and your own social circle and find relaxation through sharing common problems.
Just like with any other disease, it is important to take your meds regularly and remember all your appointments carefully so you can be constantly in touch with your physician. Additionally, it can be extremely helpful to get hold of devices that will make your life more convenient. Look into purchasing handrails, reachers, door handles and assistive devices that will make movements less painful, particularly during flare-ups.
Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of developing and maintaining healthy habits. Quit smoking, get enough sleep and take your vitamins and supplements regularly to maintain optimum health, manage pain and restrict flare-ups.
If you are unsure about what supplements you should take or you are not currently using any, your physician will be able to provide the necessary guidance. Additionally, Sash vitality's 'Organic Turmeric Curcumin+Ginger' and 'Organic Turmeric Curcumin' are some great supplemental options that have improved the lives of many people.
Don't take our word for it. These reviews say it all!
"After trying many products, without success, to try to reduce pain in my arthritic knees I finally thought I'd try turmeric capsules. I ordered this product and after about a week of daily use the pain was dramatically reduced, by about 80 percent. I am very happy with the results. Turmeric is supposed to be a natural and powerful anti inflammatory. I firmly believe this to be true"
"Great quality and easy to use. Have been feeling the benefits already with the anti inflammatory side and have cut right down on my pain relief"
"Was very apprehensive taking this, I had awful pain in my hip joint was limping around after sitting down for any length of time. To my amazement only two weeks in the pain has eased so much no limping around. Would highly recommend. Also can tell it’s working with digestive system also.
The company emailed me after purchasing advising me how and when I should take it, impressed"
Your life is the biggest luxury you have and having arthritis does not mean that you need to lose it completely. Be mindful of this fact and start living the life you deserve by following the above tips.
You can thank me later!
Ally
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