I recently read “Arthritis - What the Doctors Don’t Tell You” edited by Lynne McTaggart. I really recommend reading this book if you feel you have regular stiffness in your joints or a family history of arthritis like me. It explains that doctors really don’t know what causes arthritis & that Doctors advising painkillers actually can make it worse long term. We do have the power to help ourselves through an array of lifestyle factors, I have summed up some of them below but if this speaks to you do read the book its an easy read & packed full of helpful info and science based facts.

This is a rough guide to how you can help ward off arthritis: work on your posture & move regularly to mitigate repetitive motions, build wrist, elbow, knee strength with weights & flexibility (YOGA is suggested!), take regular cardio that you enjoy (so you do it!) swimming, cycling or walking (avoid jogging especially ladies unless you weight train specifically for it). Let your injuries heal well using RICE rest, ice, compression, elevation, avoid ibuprofen & aspirin, loose weight & follow a low inflammation diet. This can look different for everyone but in general, 8 glasses of water a day, dark leafy vegetables & red colourful berries plus pineapple, sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, salmon, cod or halibut, organic eggs, chicken & turkey to avoid GMO’s which irritate the body. Also limit sugar, gluten, fried food intake, avoid MSG & additives, processed corn/vegetable oils, balance omega-6 & omega-3 fatty acids omega to a ratio of 6:1. The book also suggests ways you can use supplements, try herbal & homeopathic medicines, to improve your nutritional health plus alternative therapies to help with pain management. The good news is Yoga recommended so you are already on the right path if you are reading this!

If you have arthritis already it gives you the tools to relieve pain, improve movement & perhaps reverse the condition. By working out food that causes inflammation in your body, drinking more water, having epsom salts baths, acupuncture & massages to increase circulation, taking supplements for your joints & to improve your nutrition & keeping joints moving as much as you can with gentle chair yoga for example.