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Managing
Arthritis
Author: ©Colleen Palat
You
may consider arthritis to be a disease of the elderly, but did
you know that it could actually affect any age group? It is a
well-established fact that two-thirds of those who experience
arthritis are actually under the age of 65. For these 3 million
Americans (that include children), normal, daily activities are
hindered by swelling, pain, and stiffness. Arthritis can be very
limiting.
What is arthritis?
There are over 100 different arthritic conditions that cause pain,
limited movement, and stiffness in the connective tissues and
joints throughout the entire body. Unfortunately, though, arthritis
is chronic so once you have it, you will always have it. The good
news is that there are things that can be done to help limit its
effects on our bodies and daily life.
Types of Arthritis
There are three types of arthritis that affect individuals of
all ages. They are:
1- Osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis
caused by the cartilage in between the joints wearing down. It
has been found that consuming adequate amounts of Vitamin C can
protect the joints from free radicals and regenerate collagen,
helping the body to repair any damage to the cartilage. Other
nutrients that can help produce collagen include:
Vitamin A- found in cheddar cheese and liver.
Vitamin B6- found in wheat germ and white meat turkey & chicken.
Vitamin E- found in almonds and sunflower seeds Copper- found
in whole grains and seafood.
Zinc- found in oysters, pumpkin seeds, and red meat.
Supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin can also help,
but be sure to check with your doctor before implementing these
into your daily diet.
2- Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is a more serious form of
arthritis. In this form, the immune system attacks the body causing
swelling of the membranes that line the joints. Eventually, the
joints are eaten away entirely. Nutrients that can help are:
Omega-3 fatty acids- found in cold-water fish like salmon, halibut,
tuna, and sardines. They may be helpful in reducing stiffness
& tenderness, and by improving overall joint function.
Gamma linolenic acid- found in evening primrose and borage seeds.
This can help to fight painful inflammation.
3- Gout. Gout can be defined by experiencing excess amounts
of uric acid, which is a by-product of the kidneys. When the kidneys
are not working properly, uric acid builds up in the body and
can crystallize around the joints causing pain and swelling. The
following may help to reduce the onset of gout:
Water- Drinking lots of water can help to dilute uric acid in
the blood and helps to flush it out of the body.
Cherries- these contain flavonoids that lower levels of uric acid.
Researchers have found that those who consumed a vegetarian diet
saw dramatic improvement in arthritic symptoms within just a month.
But if you're like me and just love your meat, try eating cold-water
fish like salmon and tuna three times a week.
Supplementing your diet with herbal remedies such as evening primrose
and borage can help, too.
A Healthy Weight
Being overweight can actually worsen arthritis since the extra
pounds put more stress on our system as a whole. This, in turn,
affects our mobility and the ease in which daily chores are performed.
Maintaining a healthy weight is imperative if you are living with
arthritis.
Living with Arthritis
There are 3 things that can be done to help minimize the effects
of arthritis.
The first consists of medicine to relieve the discomfort and pain.
The second is to rest in order to heal the injured tissues.
And third: exercise to build strength. Do not forget proper nutrition
in this equation!
As you can see, there are steps you can take to help limit the
pain and discomfort of arthritis. Give these tips a try, and see
if they work for you!
About
the Author: Colleen is a health and fitness enthusiast
who loves to pass on the latest information on health and
wellness. Sign up for your free e-newsletter filled with
cutting-edge information on health, nutrition, weight loss,
and fitness. For your free e-newsletter, visit http://www.HealthyRevelations.com
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