The problems related to bone and joint pain are common among many people, and mainly the aged. As per the National Health Survey conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2.1 million Australians have Osteoarthritis, with women being affected more than men.
The bad news is that many people with this type of arthritis often have other chronic conditions or comorbidity such as diabetes, mental health problems, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and many more.
The pains and sufferings we experience daily as a result of arthritis are practically unsustainable. The difficulties to walk, to perform our daily household chores, and to play our favorite outdoor game are making our lives more miserable.
But there are simple steps we can take to reduce the pains. One of those steps is to change our lifestyles. To prevent damage, reduce pain and achieve overall bone and joint health, here are four essential tips to follow:
1. Get the Right Diet
There are two crucial things to consider when it comes to the impact of nutrition on bone and joint health. The first thing is that we need proper nutrition to keep our bones and joints healthy.
Nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and Omega-3 fatty acids possess properties that help keep bones and joints healthy. You can get these nutrients from vegetables, fruits, and kinds of seafood.
The second aspect is eating the right food to control our body weight. Adding more weight is a recipe for disaster because the extra pounds create strain and pressure on our joints (especially the knee joints). That’s why it’s imperative to know the right way to shed some weight.
2. Stop Smoking
The connection between smoking, bone, and joint health has been studied extensively. Research shows that nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke not only cause lung cancer, but they reduce blood supply to our bones, decrease the rate at which our body absorb calcium from the food we eat, and slower the production of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts).
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated all the day long can improve your bone and joint health. Our body needs water to produce synovial fluid, an egg white-like liquid that lubricates our cartilages. Besides, water helps to remove waste products from our bones.
The accumulation of this waste can cause swelling of the bones and joints. This means that keeping the right water contents in your body, especially when you have arthritis can reduce inflammation.
4. Get the Right Supplements
One of the best ways to maintain your bone and joint health is to use supplements. The good news is that many of these supplements contain natural ingredients.
It’s worth noting that there are many supplements on the market, and it requires a lot of research before reaching your final decision. But one of the proactive steps you can take is to visit the nearest clinic for consultation.
