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Arthritis affects more than 10 million people and it takes over the lives of sufferers. Heres how to cope with, or avoid the condition

Arthritis affects more than 10 million people and it takes over the lives of sufferers.

The crippling condition can cause severe mobility problems, make sleeping impossible and turn basic tasks into a mission.

But instead of relying on anti-inflammatories and painkillers, which have been linked to stomach and heart issues, try these alternatives.

And they could even stop you from developing the condition in the first place.

Tuck into pomegranates

Chemicals found in the exotic fruits can protect against osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

Called phytochemicals, they help prevent damage to cartilage cells, which keeps bones healthy.

Pomegranate seeds are also full of punicic acid, which has powerful antioxidant properties and could reduce joint inflammation.

Mediterranean diet plan

Eating more fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains, olive oil and fatty fish may help tackle the disease and increase mobility.

The first study into the link between a Mediterranean diet and osteoarthritis recently found that eating more of these ingredients over a 16-week period helped reduce inflammation and maintain bone health.

Run by the charity organisation, Arthritis Action, the research saw the inflammatory blood biomarker of participants drop by almost half, while a cartilage degeneration dropped eight per cent. The experts also recommended cutting down on red meat.

Tai chi

If you are looking for more of a relaxed exercise regime, try tai chi. The Chinese practice has been linked to reduced pain, fatigue and stiffness, plus improved mobility in people with osteoarthritis.

The slow breathing and gentle movements boost muscle strength and balance. After six weeks, participants in a University of Miami study were able to walk faster and further.

Go for a jog

It is important to keep muscles and joints moving, even if you do not have arthritis.

Moderate exercise has even been found to help prevent osteoarthritis in the knees and hips physical activity helps lubricate the joints and maintain cartilage elasticity.

While running had previously been thought to be bad for joints, a study recently found that regular jogs are good news for the knees and hips and can cut your osteoarthritis risk. But researchers for the study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, say overdoing it could do more harm than good.

Get pedalling

Stationary cycling, otherwise known as spinning, is good for the knees. Researchers at Northern Illinois University found it is the best form of exercise to get people with mild-to-moderate symptoms back on their feet.

Magnet magic

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is providing an alternative to antiinflammatories and painkiller medication. The clever tech is in a wearable device and involves an electrically charged magnet, which delivers energy to the painful area. Patients with osteoarthritis who used the gadget for 12 hours a day over one month saw their pain greatly reduced, according to a study in Rheumatology journal. And some even came off painkillers completely.

Original post:
How to battle arthritis - Pune Mirror

This entry was posted on June 24, 2017 at 4:41 am and is filed under Arthritis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |