As we get older, it seems like we encounter more aches and pains than we did when we were younger. Arthritis and back pain is quite common, especially among the older population. Many people might think of these pains as inevitable or treatable with supplements and vitamins, but this is simply not the case. You aren’t doomed to get arthritis or back pain simply because you’re getting older, and pills can only do so much. There are, however, many things that you can do to assist in preventing arthritis and other pain simply by living a healthier lifestyle.

What many people don’t realize is that healthy eating affects bones and joints. Studies have shown that individuals who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk for arthritis, especially in the joints that support the most weight. Therefore, a healthy diet will not only improve your overall health, but it can also reduce your risk for arthritis later in life by helping you reduce your body weight. Diet plans can be intimidating if you’re not used to watching your weight; however, it’s much easier to change your eating habits if you start slowly and just make small alterations to your habits over time. Try cooking with olive oil instead of butter, eating a salad with your dinner entree, or having an apple for a snack instead of potato chips. Additionally, it’s smart to eat several small meals a day as opposed to just a larger lunch and dinner. This will help you feel full and keep you from overeating.

Drinking a lot of water every day is an important part of a healthy diet, and the amount of water you consume each day can also play a huge part in promoting healthy joints. The cartilage in the body’s joints is made up mostly of water, so dehydration can actually be a big factor in joint pain. Sources will vary in the amount of water that should be consumed in a day, but most will agree that a person should ideally drink at least eight glasses (a glass being eight ounces) of water daily.

A simple tip you can adhere to on a daily basis is to avoid repetitive motions that can put strain on joints over time. If your job, for example, includes some sort of physical labor that involves a repeated movement, try to alter those motions slightly each time you perform them. Even jobs that don’t involve physical activity can cause problems. If you sit at a desk every day in the same chair, you might want to consider purchasing lumbar support or a foot rest to keep under your desk. Try to be mindful to take brief breaks throughout the day to get up and walk around, too. The same advice applies at home. If you lead a more sedentary lifestyle when you’re at home, muscles and joints can weaken if they are constantly at rest. If you find that you are always sitting in the same chair or spot on the couch, try to mix it up, especially if you find yourself always sitting in the same position.

Be sure to incorporate regular exercise into your life, even if it’s limited. Exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous, nor should you have to devote excessive amounts of your time. The key is just to find activities that get you moving. For example, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator, take your dog for a nice walk in the evening, or park your car a bit farther away from buildings. If you do have time for an exercise routine, consider low-impact activities like yoga, Pilates, or swimming.

Peg Smith is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

Peg Smith is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/pennsylvania-pa/wayne/laser-spine-institute-9961d422 health.

Author Bio: Peg Smith is a lifestyle expert who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

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