Arthritis is a common yet painful condition affecting one or multiple joints along with inflammation. The tenacity of arthritis tends to increase during the cold and chilly days of winter season, making the joints stiff and adding to the pain and swelling. Its symptoms are mainly found in adults over the age of 60-70 years. Though there are no permanent cure for treating arthritis, with proper diet alterations and care it is possible to manage this condition.
According to Ayurveda, arthritis is caused due to an imbalance of vata dosha. When ama, toxin produced due to poor digestive system, accumulates in your body, it aggravates vata dosha. Ama circulates and gets deposited in joint areas causing arthritis. To maintain healthy bones and joints, follow the below mentioned guidelines:
- Exercise regularly
Indulge in weight-bearing exercises to keep your bones healthy. Reduce doing high-impact activities like jogging, dancing and skipping as it may further aggravate your arthritic condition and take up low-impact exercises like walking to manage the condition especially if you have weak bones or a history of falls.
- Maintain a healthy weight
People suffering from arthritis condition must ensure that they maintain a healthy weight in order to avoid too much strain on the joints. Weight-bearing joints like hip, knees and back have to support your weight and therefore, the less you weigh the less would be their work.
- Balanced diet
Follow a balanced diet comprising of foods rich in nutrients, amino acids, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended to consume lentils, horse gram, easy to digest grains like cooked oats and rice, berries, ginger, etc. for maintaining bone and joint health. Also, avoid hot and spicy food as it would aggravate doshas.
- Perfect posture
Do not slouch while standing as it affects the joints badly. While standing or sitting make sure your back is straight so as to protect your joints from neck to your knees. While lifting or carrying things, follow the right posture to prevent any harm or injury for your joints and bones.
- Adequate dose of Calcium and Vitamin D
Ensure that you get adequate supply of Calcium and Vitamin D daily. Calcium is required to build strong bones and teeth, as you age. Foods rich in calcium include milks, beans and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D is essential for keeping your bones healthy and helps in absorbing calcium. Incorporate foods containing Vitamin D like fish, milk, eggs, cod liver oil and mushrooms.
- Avoid too much salt and carbonated drinks
One of the main reasons our body lose calcium is due to excessive intake of salt in food. And drinking carbonated drinks like soda and fizzy drinks will limit our ability to absorb calcium in our body because of its phosphorous content.