Prevent Arthritis Naturally
Arthritis can refer to a broad category of disease which affects the joints and bones. Arthritic disease typically occurs either as an autoimmune reaction to naturally occurring body tissues or from normal wear and tear on the joints that occur with age.
Sometimes there is no known cause for arthritis, depending upon the exact form, but there are steps you can take to help prevent arthritis naturally.
Unfortunately, certain risk factors are beyond a person's control. This may include age, gender, genetics, having never given birth, or having just recently given birth (in women).
Below, we look at the risk factors that you are able to control and discuss how people can help to prevent arthritis naturally.
Exercise & Weight Loss
Exercise helps to prevent arthritis naturally by keeping your joints strong and flexible. It is even recommended to help decrease the severity of existing arthritis cases, although low impact activities like water aerobics and body weight exercises are commonly suggested.
Extra weight results in adding pressure to the joints, which can cause additional wear and tear on joints. Some studies have shown that the loss of just twenty pounds on obese individuals can greatly reduce pressure on the joints and ease any joint pain.
Healthy Diet & Proper Hydration
A healthy diet is one that limits or is free of things like processed foods, excessive salt, and excessive sugar.
Switch out these items for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and healthy carbs. This allows your body to receive the vitamins, minerals, and fuel it needs to take care of itself.
Proper hydration is also vital. Thus, the recommended daily water intake is eight cups of water per day, which is approximately equivalent to four water bottles.
Smoking & Alcohol Cessation
There is a link between smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption and higher cases of autoimmune-caused arthritis. There is also a lot of other unrelated issues. If you currently smoke cigarettes, you may want to think about quitting. It is also a good idea to cease or limit your alcohol intake as well.
Proper Oral Hygiene
New studies have shown a possible correlation between certain types of arthritis (like Rheumatoid Arthritis) and periodontal or gum disease. Although no scientific proof has yet been offered, it may do you well to ensure you're getting proper oral care… just in case. This includes yearly visits to your dentists, brushing at least twice per day, and flossing nightly.
Adequate Amounts of Rest
A key point to prevent arthritis naturally is to get adequate amounts of rest. For normal, healthy adults, this equates to around eight hours of sleep each night. If you are sick, pregnant, breastfeeding, or highly physically active, you'll want to increase that amount of sleep.
The reason sleep is so important is because it is the time when the body restores itself – both physically and mentally. Research shows that constant sleep deprivation of only one hour per night has devastatingly negative health effects in the long term.