Healthy joints keep you mobile and help you stay flexible. You may only think of them a little if they are working well. Maintaining your healthy joints will allow you to continue walking, running, playing sports and all the other things you love to do. Daily best practices like eating well, staying physical, avoiding injuries and staying hydrated are all ways to keep you and your joints healthy. Here are some valuable tips to guide you toward making sure you are taking the steps you need to maintain the health and lubrication of the joints in your body.
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Eat a Healthy Diet
The types of foods you consume significantly affect how your body functions. A wide variety of foods that contain essential nutrients for joint health include those with anti-inflammatory properties. Some examples are whole grains, fruits, dark green vegetables, and fatty fish. Try to avoid high saturated fats and foods that are over-processed. A simple way to ensure a proper balance is to try a Mediterranean diet emphasizing fatty fish, olive oil and vegetables.
Try Supplements
Supplements can be a great way to augment your already healthy eating habits. The proper amount of essential nutrients supports your joints, muscles and bones receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy and active. When your joints are healthy, you benefit from flexibility and lubrication. Adding joint health supplements can help fill in any gaps to maintain the full benefits of the vitamins and minerals you get from natural sources. When paired with the proper amount of healthy foods and exercise, supplements can help you continue supporting the healthy cartilage in your body.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining your healthy weight helps decrease the stress on your joints, especially your knees. While it is not advisable to start a rapid weight-loss program, taking proper measures to ensure you are maintaining a healthy weight is the key to the overall health of your body. The way to achieve this is by boosting your physical activity, replacing sugary drinks with water and increasing your protein and vegetable intake. These are all ways you can contribute to healthily reducing your caloric intake. If you are not currently active, start by taking a short walk in the evenings after dinner.
Exercise Regularly
An excellent way to keep your joints lubricated and healthy is by implementing a regular exercise routine into your day and throughout your week. A common misconception is that exercise causes joint pain. It is important to note that moving your body keeps your joints flexible and happy. Incorporate a regular exercise routine you can stick to. A good rule of thumb is to get at least thirty minutes daily, five times a week.
Do Low Impact Exercises
Low-impact exercises are excellent for making sure you are keeping your body moving beneficially. The continuous low-impact movement can optimize your flexibility. Try walking, swimming or tai-chi to increase blood flow to the cartilage in your body. Other rigorous and high-impact exercises can add unwanted stress to your joints. Moving your body with softer movements will help you maintain the health of your joints, body and overall well-being.
Stay Hydrated
The joints in your body mainly consist of water. When you are properly hydrated, it allows your body to produce synovial fluid to keep your joints lubricated. The fluid protects your joints from wear and tear and adds to the comfort of your mobility. The amount you need can vary according to gender, body type and your basic need for fluids to stay adequately hydrated. Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day is a great place to start. If you still feel thirsty, it is your body’s way of letting you know it needs more.
Eating the right foods, getting plenty of the correct type of exercise and keeping track of what makes you feel good are all ways to help you maintain the health of your joints. Take care to make them last so you can continue doing all of the activities you enjoy long into the future.