How To Keep Your Joints Healthy?
As we age, we start losing bone mass and density. Cartilage starts wearing away and many people start to develop degenerative joint disease.
How do we slow the degenerative process?
The right diet, exercise and a healthy life style can help us slow down the degenerative process
A diet rich in collagen: Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, soy milk etc contain collagen which is the main protein found in connective tissue that helps to keep the ligaments and tendons flexible.
Omega 3 fatty acids: A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids is found to reduce the progression of Osteo- arthritis. Soybean, flaxseeds, sardines, walnuts etc are good sources of omega 3 fatty acid
Calcium and vitamin D are quintessential for maintaining bone health.
Yogurt, cheese, fortified cereals, orange juice etc contain calcium and Vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight also helps our body to synthesize Vitamin D.
Exercise can help to preserve and maintain joint mobility. Being overweight can put extra pressure on the joint and worsen the symptoms of arthritis. Yoga, walking, swimming, etc are great for joint flexibility and improving muscle strength.
In ayurveda there are many herbs that have anti inflammatory properties which help in combating the degenerative process. Ashwagandha, turmeric, guggulu etc are few of the herbs with anti inflammatory properties. Regular massaging can also help to strengthen the muscles and bones.