Joints are nature’s hinges. They let us bend, twist, and move in all the intricate ways that make our lives enjoyable, from rock climbing to dancing.
Unfortunately, when the joints are damaged due to an illness or injury, each movement is filled with pain. This discomfort and restriction of the joints can be caused by many things, including strains, sprains, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout, and other injuries.
There are good habits to engage in to improve joint health
- Eat a Nutrient-Rich Breakfast
Because diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors influencing joint health, your breakfast choices are important. It is important to avoid foods high in sugars and processed flour. Choose meals that contain nutrients that help support joint health, such as: Omega-3 fatty acids (nuts and seeds), Vitamin E (avocado), Vitamin A (spinach), Vitamin C (citrus fruits), Potassium (bananas), Anthocyanins (berries), Calcium (yogurt), Turmeric (easily added to pancakes or omelets)
- Lose Weight If You’re Overweight
If you’re overweight, that extra baggage compresses the joints and can-do heavy damage to the cartilage while limiting your ability to keep the joints lubricated. Work on losing any extra pounds if you want to have healthier joints, especially in the knees and back.
When moving results in pain, it’s easy to stop being active, but that decision only makes things worse. Those who are even moderately active have better joints than those who are less active.
Focus on exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga to ease your pain, keep your tissues strong, and lubricate those joints. - Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is another way to reduce the risk of injury and keep the joints well-lubricated. The amount of water you drink can significantly affect your joint health.
When your joints hurt because of the flu, gout, arthritis, or chronic dehydration. Increasing water intake may not treat painful joints directly, but it can assist your body in handling the underlying causes of the pain. Stretch the body has been at rest during sleep, so you want to gently wake your joints with light stretching.
Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles, allowing them to relax, and allows the synovial fluid to move around within the joints to reduce occasional stiffness. Simple stretches you can try before even getting out of bed include:
- a. Bringing your knees into your chest to stretch your back
b. Slightly lifting your legs and circling your ankles in both directions
c. Rocking your knees side-to-side to get your hips moving
d. Sitting up and rolling your shoulders forward and backward
e. Holding your arms out in front of you and flexing your arms and then wrists
READ ALSO: 10 BEST NATURAL INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN
Foods to Avoid for Joint Health
- Red Meat
- Dairy
- Caffeine
- Trans Fats
- Soy
- Processed Foods
