While surgery and medications can help arthritis sufferers, the best course is to not get arthritis to begin with! Preventing a disease like arthritis does not have to require hours at the gym or a closet full of vitamins or special health food concoctions!
Some of the lesser known and maybe less advertised ways of preventing arthritis are listed here. Many of these things also prevent other diseases as well.
Eat Fish!
A recent study done in Sweden followed thousands of women over time and found that those who ate at least one serving of fatty fish per week had significantly less arthritis than those who did not eat as much fish.
Researchers believe it is due to the high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids that are contained in certain types of fish. Omega-3 has already been shown to potentially protect the heart from certain types of emotional stress and reduce overall inflammation. Now, researchers believe it also influences the body’s response to inflammation in a way that reduces a person’s chance of getting arthritis.
The more “fatty” the fish, the better! Only 1-2 servings a week are recommended. Here are types of oily fish to consider:
- Fresh tuna
- Salmon
- Anchovies
- Shrimp
- Trout
- Scallops
- Halibut
- Sardines
Moderate Exercise
Moderate exercise done regularly – like a 30 minute walk at least 3-4 times per week – can not only help prevent arthritis, but it also is shown to help your overall health and prevent many other diseases as well. Walking requires no special talent, skill, equipment or extra money. Just make sure you have good shoes and go! Swimming is also terrific exercise since it does not place a lot of stress on your joints.
Have a Drink!
According to a British health journal, having 2-3 alcoholic drinks per week was associated with less arthritis. This is not an excuse to over-do it though. More than 3 per week does not show a health benefit. While this study did not show a difference due to which type of alcohol consumed, other research shows that if you make it red wine, it can also benefit your heart.
Garlic and Onions
You may not have a pleasant odor, but there is some evidence to suggest that vegetables in the allium family may destroy certain cartilage-destroying enzymes that lead to osteoarthritis.
Eat Your Broccoli
Cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, are very nutritionally dense foods that also may prevent arthritis. There is some evidence that they prevent tumor growth and help fight off cancer cells. And a recent study from the Arthritis and Rheumatism Journal shows that the same sulfur compounds that fight cancer can also reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Spice it Up!
Certain spices also have an anti-inflammatory action. One of the best is Turmeric. While it sounds exotic, it is actually used in common prepared foods to provide a yellow color – like regular prepared mustard. Turmeric is potent and does not have a very long shelf life (about 5 months), so you don’t need to buy a lot. Try this recipe that includes broccoli, turmeric and garlic!
Source: https://www.sageminder.com/SeniorHealth/Articles/tabid/72/itemid/129/amid/476/6-easy-ways-to-prevent-arthritis.aspx