More than a million people each year visit their doctor regarding osteoarthritis, and whilst this painful condition cannot be entirely prevented, there are some lifestyle changes and natural remedies for arthritis that can help to ease the pain.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and is a condition that occurs when joints begin to lose their elasticity and wear away, leaving bones exposed. This can result in an inflammatory response that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints
Although it can affect anyone, osteoarthritis is a condition commonly associated with ageing; more than half of UK adults over the age of 65 are sufferers.
Osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint, but it most often occurs in the knees, hips and spine.
Making certain lifestyle choices can prove to be an effective treatment for arthritis…
Avoid bad nutrition
As with many ailments, one of the most effective natural remedies for arthritis is through your diet. Try to eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and avoid certain foods which cause pain.
One of the biggest dietary causes of joint pain and inflammation is sugar, so try to eliminate this from your diet as much as possible.
Red meats have a high protein and saturated fat content, and this is thought to increase the risk of joint pain. Try to cut down and only eat lean cuts.
Cheese is another product that contains a lot of saturated fat which can trigger inflammatory responses in the joints. Try to reduce your intake of cheese, and choose low-fat options where possible.
Stop the stimulants
If you are a smoker, your risk of suffering from osteoarthritis greatly increases. The chemicals found in cigarettes reduce the mass and strength of the bones, and also reduce blood flow, which can cause pain.
Another stimulant to be wary of is caffeine. Although a little is not a problem, too much may cause joint discomfort as it stimulates the nervous system which can cause muscle tremors, placing unnecessary extra stress on the joints.
Alcohol can also be detrimental if consumed too regularly, as it can contribute to the dehydration of the muscles and tissues that support the joints. Excessive alcohol intake can also cause weight gain which places further strain on the joints that bear your weight.
Get active
Exercise can serve as an effective treatment for arthritis, as it releases hormones known as endorphins, which have pain-killing properties.
Exercise can help with osteoarthritis because it can assist with weight loss, alleviating some of the stress on the weight-bearing joints.
Exercise also strengthens the muscles and improves their flexibility, allowing joints to move more freely and with less pain.
Effective exercises for osteoarthritis sufferers include walking and swimming, as they place less stress on the joints than higher impact activities such as running.
Natural remedies for arthritis
Alongside a healthy lifestyle, there are also some beneficial supplements for osteoarthritis.
- Fish oils: The essential fatty acids EPA and DHA found in omega 3 fish oils have been shown to support healthy joint function and are thought to offer anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, many people take fish oils to help reduce pain and stiffness, especially in the morning.
- GluComplex™ Gold: Although the body naturally produces glucosamine and chondroitin, the levels produced decline as we age, leaving joint cartilage vulnerable to ‘wear and tear’. GluComplex™ Gold is a combination of ingredients including glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain and support healthy joints.
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