Arthritis has reached epidemic proportions. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, arthr= joint and itis=inflammation. 1 in 6 Americans is now suffering from debilitating arthritis according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In adults over 65 the arthritis prevalence is over 50%. These statistics are staggering!
What many Americans don’t realize is that arthritis is not a normal part of aging. Arthritis is an abnormal degeneration of joints caused by an acidic, inflammatory diet of animal-derived foods. These same foods also cause weight gain and obesity which put excess stress on joints and cause improper alignment.
1) Make sure you’re eating enough plant foods — greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, beans and other legumes. If you’re not getting at least 7 servings of fruits or vegetables daily then you’re body is most likely already more acidic than it should be. This can lead to increased body inflammation leading to arthritis degeneration.
2) Make sure you’re drinking enough water. 70% of people are dehydrated and don’t know it. If you feel tired, grouchy or hungry, chances are you’re dyhdrated from not drinking enough water. Drink 8-16 oz. of water before you reach for food or other kind of beverage and see how you feel. Drink half your body weight in ounces per day.
3) Maintain a healthy weight by eating a plant-based diet. This will minimize stress on your joints, in fact one extra pound of weight puts 7 pounds of excess pressure on your knees. Plant foods protect your bones and joints and animal foods degenerate your bones and joints.
4) Walk regularly. This will help to strengthen your muscles to support the weight and stress associated with movement and it will take the stress away from your joints to delay or decrease joint degradation.
5) Get enough Vitamin D3 by exposing your skin to the right amount of sunlight (without sunscreen), about 20 minutes per day.
If you’re experiencing arthritis pain already, use ice on the area to reduce inflammation and start with these 5 tips right away.
