Inflammatory arthritis need not take over your life. You will need to make some lifestyle changes, but in time, you should be able to gain control over your inflammatory arthritis and live a long and healthy life.
You don’t have to make huge changes to your diet when you have inflammatory arthritis, but keeping as close to your ideal weight as possible will help effect a degree of joint pain relief. First, determine with your doctor what your ideal weight (or ideal weight range) should be. If you are underweight, you should consider taking in more healthy nutrient rich calories to help fuel your body. You need to eat healthy foods, not just grab any old thing.
If you are overweight, you actually have the easier job than trying to put weight on. You still need to eat, but need to eat foods low in fat, low in preservatives and low in empty calories. Empty calories are foods and drinks that can give you fat, but not much else in the way of nutrition. Alcoholic beverages are classic examples of empty calories. So are carbonated, caffeinated sodas or pop. Even water is more nutritious for you – and doesn’t have any calories (unless you add a flavor powder to it).
Regular Exercise
It is vital to stay as active as possible when you have inflammatory arthritis. If you don’t, your joints will loose what elasticity they have left. Regular exercise not only keeps them supple, but helps your body’s auto-immune system and just about every other system, too. Remember, exercise does not mean sweating it in a gym or training for the Olympics. Washing the car is exercise. Walking to the post office and back is exercise. Gardening is exercise and can be effective for arthritis pain relief.
Some people with inflammatory arthritis prefer to exercise with others because they also get the benefit of social interaction. It is good to keep your brain and social skills exercised and limber as well as your joints. And it can boost self-confidence and lower stress, which can contribute to any kind of illness, including inflammatory arthritis.
Regular Check Ups
Although it might seem like a drag, you really need regular check ups with your doctor in order to get your inflammatory arthritis in line. You might need tests to be sure you are not developing any side effects from your medication. This also keeps up with your social interaction and brain stimulating skills.
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