Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. While one person in six is ​​affected by arthritis, people over the age of 65 account for almost half of the cases, with more women than men as victims.

Although there are over 100 different types of arthritis, we generally think of it as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint pain and progressive stiffness that develops slowly. Rheumatoid arthritis is defined by painful swelling, inflammation, and stiffness in the fingers, legs, and wrists, and occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body, especially upon awakening.

Signs or symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness, grinding sensation, lumps or bumps around joints, joint tenderness, and joint inflammation.

Arthritis can have several causes. It could arise due to a physically demanding job, which requires heavy and repetitive activity. It can appear as a result of injury, infection, allergic reaction, some foods, or even genetics. Also, it can be caused by a combination of factors.

There are foods that are known to help reduce arthritis inflammation, and there are foods that can make arthritis worse. Additionally, exercise can be used in a positive or negative way to affect this condition.

Foods that can make arthritis worse include fried foods, salty foods, foods made from white flour, sugar and refined carbohydrates, dairy products, processed foods, and grilled foods. Avoid nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers. Gluten-containing items, such as bagels and pasta, can contribute to pain or inflammation. Tobacco and alcohol should also be avoided.

Fortunately, there are many foods that can be included in the useful category. Vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard greens, red cabbage, and white potatoes (with the skin intact) are good. Fruits rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, lemons, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, kiwi, and mango.

Also, fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids or antioxidants may be beneficial for arthritis. Some of them are sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, turnip greens, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, sweet red peppers, and tangerines. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blackberries are also good.

Some other items in the food category would be omega 3 fatty acid supplements and fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, salmon, and tuna. Flaxseed oil, walnuts, turmeric, ginger, and olive oil are also beneficial in a diet to help with arthritis.

Exercise can be a very important thing to remember to lessen the negative effects of arthritis. Strong muscles help protect and support arthritic joints. Range of motion exercises like dancing can be beneficial. Aerobic or resistance exercises such as walking, bicycling, and swimming should be included. Also, work on strength exercises like weight training.

The right exercises will help keep your bones strong, give you more energy, and help you sleep better. Exercises can help you control your weight, strengthen the muscles around your joints, and help you feel better mentally. According to the Mayo Clinic, a lack of exercise can make your joints more painful and stiff, so make exercise a regular part of your day.

In short, with a positive attitude, making wise food choices, and including regular exercise, arthritis should be less of a problem than it would be if you don’t do the right things.