Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain, inflammation and stiffness in a joint. It can be the result of simple wear and tear or autoimmune conditions. What unites the different forms of arthritis is what you can do to mitigate the impact of joint problems.
What to eat
While there’s no miracle diet for arthritis, fortunately, many foods can help fight inflammation and improve joint symptoms.
“For starters, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans but low processed foods and saturated fat, is not only great for overall health, but can also help manage disease activity,” advises the Arthritis Foundation (AF).
Many of these components can be found in a Mediterranean-style diet.
In fact, studies confirm that eating foods commonly part of the Mediterranean diet can benefit your joints as well as your heart, reports AF.
“However, being active can help reduce and prevent pain,” notes the NHS.
Regular exercise can also:
- Improve your range of movement and joint mobility
- Increase muscle strength
- Reduce stiffness
- Boost your energy.
“As long as you do the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis won’t get any worse,” explains the NHS.
“Your GP can recommend the type and level of exercise that’s right for you.”