Arthritis is a common musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, muscles, and tendons. You can get arthritis if you’re overweight or underweight, if you’re too sedentary, if you smoke cigarettes, or even if you live in an area with air pollution. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this painful condition. Here’s what Dr Mahmud Kara says could help keep your joints healthy.
Watch Your Weight
You can’t do much about your genetics, but there are other things you can control. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can reduce joint pain and inflammation. Exercise is another way to help lower the risk of arthritis by strengthening muscles and bones. And eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide nutrients that protect against inflammation – not to mention help with weight loss.
Avoid Smoking
If you’re a smoker and have been thinking about quitting, now is the time to do it. Smoking is bad for your health and can cause cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and other diseases.
It can also be addictive, as once you start smoking, it becomes harder to stop than most people think. Not only will quitting improve your overall health but it might also help prevent arthritis in the future too.
Eat Right
The key here is to make sure your diet is well-balanced and avoid processed foods, excess salt, sugar, and fat. A healthy diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (at least five servings per day), whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat, lean meats such as chicken breast without skin, fish such as tuna or salmon, eggs from cage-free hens, and nuts such as almonds.
Try Catnip Oil
Catnip is a member of the mint family, and it contains a chemical called nepetalactone. This particular substance is what gives catnip its signature smell and taste. The oil extracted from catnip leaves can be used to help reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. It also helps improve circulation, which can improve flexibility in your joints. click here Dr Mahmud Kara.