As the human body age, certain components of the body often undergo many changes, with the changes sometimes capable of affecting aspects of health. One of the most common systems that do undergo some of these changes is the skeletal system, which to a great extent, is responsible for movement or mobility....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
One of the common conditions that do afflict some components of the skeletal system is arthritis, which is a condition that affects joints in the body. It often occurs when the joints undergo deterioration and the term “arthritis” is a collective term used to describe 200 conditions that affect joints, and the tissues surrounding the joints, as well as other connective tissues.
Arthritis is a particularly painful condition and when a person is affected by it, performing basic tasks could become nigh to impossible. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and while they are most common in adults over the age of 65, they can also develop in teens and younger adults, with women at a greater risk than men.
Symptoms of arthritis often develop over time, but in some people, may sometimes develop suddenly and the characteristics symptoms would include joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Arthritis could be caused by various factors with the most common ones listed below:
1. A reduction in the normal amount of cartilage tissue may cause some forms of arthritis.
2. Wear and tear.
3. Family history/genetics.
4. Infection or injury to the joints.
Arthritis can be treated and its treatment would often revolve around reducing the amount of pain, preventing additional damage to the joints through the machinery of medications, physical therapies, and increased intake of certain foods. Diet can help play important roles in building resistance against arthritis.
The foods whose intake should be increased are those with the ability to help fight and/or reduce inflammation which often causes arthritis or make its symptoms worse. The foods are examined below:
1. Fatty fish
Fatty fish are often touted for their impressive nutrient composition which includes omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, two nutrients linked to reduced inflammation. An increased intake of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, is linked to strong resistance to arthritis in people who don’t have it and reduced inflammation in people with the condition.
2. Dark leafy vegetables
Inflammation can be caused by a dangerous buildup of free radicals in the body. However, they can be kept in check by the increased intake of dark leafy veggies such as broccoli, kale and spinach, as the trio are great sources of vitamin E and C. Vitamin E helps to fight inflammation, while vitamin C helps to make collagen, a major component of cartilage that aids the movement of joints in the body
3. Nuts
Increased intake of nuts such as peanuts, almonds, and walnuts can also help you build a strong resistance to arthritis as they are rich in inflammation-fighting nutrients such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids. Increased intake of these nutrients is known to help fight or reduce inflammation.
4. Berries
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and others are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, they are rich in anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant compound that helps to reduce inflammation. They are also rich in antioxidant properties which help to fight off free radicals that may be out to damage joint tissues.
5. Pepper
Bell peppers and chilli peppers are both rich in vitamin C and antioxidants with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Bell pepper is especially rich in the antioxidant quercetin, which reduces inflammation associated with chronic diseases, like diabetes. Chilli peppers, on the other hand, is rich in sinapic acid and ferulic acid, which are also great at reducing inflammation.
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