Like it or not, arthritis has fast become one of the most chronic health problems we have to face in recent years. Arthritis refers to the inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness. In some cases, it could have resulted from from infection, trauma and degenerative change as one ages. Personally, I’ve watched some of my relatives suffer from arthritis.
Each time the weather turns cool or chilly, they would be able to forecast that rain is coming as their joints feel stiff and start to ache. Ever since I’ve become a lifestyle coach helping others with their fitness, health and grooming challenges, I’ve come to realise that the age old adage “prevention is better than cure” is so relevant to everyone. Instead of fretting over how to deal with arthritis when one gets it, why not learn how to delay its occurrence or even prevent it from occurring at all? Forget about surgery, injections, hot therapy etc as these are just reactive. In life, we must learn to be proactive and there’s no better way than to safeguard our health!
I’ve come up with 5 simple tips to combat arthritis or even nip it in the bud. Making some modifications to your lifestyle is the best ‘treatment’ in coping with arthritis. Read on 🙂
Tip #1: Watch Your Weight
Weight control is one key factor in successful management of arthritis as reducing one’s weight can lessen the pain, swelling and stress on the weight-bearing joints such as the knees or back. Talk to us if you are keen to work on your weight issues.
Tip #2: Exercise Regularly
Regular exercises such as strength training and stretching can help relieve pain and improve joint movement. By building muscles around the joint, the join gains strength and stability, which prevents further damage. Click here to read one of Lee Fong’s success stories of how she overcame her challenges and emerged stronger after four months’ of gym training.
Tip #3: Manage Your Stress
Even if you feel stressed seeing the ‘stress’ word, you should still learn how to manage it. Stress must be managed well to prevent arthritis from worsening. Think about it – repeated daily stress can add to increasing joint discomfort.
Tip #4: Change Your Diet
Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids should be introduced, as it is known to reduce inflammation, stiffness and tenderness of the joints. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, vegetables, nuts and flaxseed oil.
Tip #5: Supplement Your Diet
Dietary supplements such as glucosamine is recommended for people suffering from arthritis. Although glucosamine is a natural supplement found in the body which builds and maintains our cartilage, as we age, the quantity in our bodies get reduced significantly. Clinical studies have shown that glucosamine may even help in regrowing cartilage and inhibiting the growth of cartilage-destroying enzymes.
Remember, prevention is better than cure!
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