Joint Responsibility As we age, our joints can suffer from wear and tear, and if we are particularly active this may happen prematurely if we don’t take the necessary precautions. It is important to care for your bones and joints, especially if conditions such as
osteoporosis or arthritis run in the family. Thankfully, there are several easy steps we can take to care for our joints through lifestyle, dietary and supplement choices. Here, we share with you our advice on how to best care for your joints whatever your age!
SALT BATHS Adding magnesium-rich salts, such as Epsom, Himalayan pink salt and magnesium sulphate to your bathtub can help relax muscles and soothe joints, whilst also promoting a good night’s sleep. If you don’t have a bathtub or don’t enjoy them, try adding to a foot spa or bowl of warm water and soaking your feet. Be sure to stay in for at least twenty minutes.
KEEP ACTIVE & MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT
Li festyle SLEEP As with most elements of keeping healthy, sleep is a key factor, and the relationship between joint pain and sleep is two-way. Whilst many blame their pain (usually from conditions such as arthritis) on not being able to sleep, a lack of sleep may increase pain and your perception of pain. Try going to sleep at the same time every night, and have a regular regimen that you follow, with no TV or screen time for at least two hours before bed.
HYDRATION Your body needs to be hydrated to allow proper elimination of toxins and waste, a builldup of which may be a causing factor of painful inflammatory conditions. Adequate water intake also lubricates your joints, reducing any inflammation and accompanying pain in them. Aim for at least 1.5 litres of water a day, including herbal teas.
Whilst it might seem counterintuitive and the last thing you feel like doing, gentle exercise such as walking, swimming or stretching, may help remedy painful joints. Osteoporosis can be brought on when women go through the menopause, and this can lead to painful joints. However, weight bearing exercise can help improve and maintain bone density. Always consult a medical or health professional before engaging in any form of activity. Whatever your age, be sure to maintain a healthy weight as a study showed that for everyone pound of weight loss, there is a four pound reduction in knee-joint stress, and even modest weight loss can significantly lighten the burden on your joints[1].
STRESS MANAGEMENT When we are stressed, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol, which inhibits collagen production, which is needed for healthy joints. Try practising yoga, mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or even just a walk in nature or a change of scenery.
THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN Get outdoors every day to increase your body’s vitamin D production. Low vitamin D levels are associated with osteoarthritis, so head outside in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense without sunscreen for half an hour. References [1] https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/news/20050629/ small-weight-loss-takes-pressure-off-knee
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