Keep Your Joints Healthy!

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Well, here we are, getting older every day. Things are starting to ache and creak. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition in which the cartilage that covers and cushions the joints starts breaking down. Your bones then rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain, and loss of joint movement. No one knows what causes it, but there are a few things we can do to keep our joints healthy longer.

Healthy joints require a healthy diet.

According to recent studies, you can reduce toxins that contribute to osteoarthritis by cooking foods at lower temperatures. Also try limiting dairy products, as well as pasteurized, processed, sugary, salty, and fried foods. Try switching to high protein food sources such as spinach, nuts, beans, lentils and quinoa. Hmmmmm. Seems like we’ve heard that before! Eat REAL!

Healthy joints need to stay hydrated. Healthy cartilage contains more than 70% water. It lubricates and nourishes the cartilage as well as functioning as a shock absorber. Your shock absorbers will be happier if you don’t put too much weight on them, so keep that in mind at the dinner table. DRINK up – and we mean water!

Healthy joints require protection. Cartilage becomes degraded with age. Glucosamine and chondroitin are important components of cartilage. A three-year study of glucosamine sulfate supplementation proved significant in preventing the loss of joint space in the knee among those aged 45-to 70 with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, slowing the progression of the condition. Further, studies have shown that arthritis pain can be controlled effectively when glucosamine and chondroitin are taken together. At Radiance you can find these supplements in the form ofDesigns for Health Glucosamine Sulfate and Biotics Chondrosamine. Take COVER!

Healthy joints need oxygen. Smokers are at an elevated risk for developing both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, not to mention countless other debilitating and life-threatening diseases. Time to QUIT!

Healthy joints require rest. There are so many reasons why sleep is hard to come by as we get older. Hormone imbalance, including thyroid and testosterone (yes, even in women), vitamin deficiency, stress, and inactivity can all contribute to insomnia or interrupted sleep. At Radiance, our medical providers know what tests will determine exactly what your body needs to get the rest it literally can’t live without. Call for an appointment so you can finally SLEEP.

Healthy joints require movement. We’ve all seen the commercials. A body in motion…Well it’s true. Find what you enjoy and keep doing it. Dance, walk, swim. It doesn’t matter. Just MOVE.

Healthy joints need oiled. Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids found in wild salmon, tuna, walnut and olive oils, flax seeds and nuts have been found to offer pain relief for patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. At Radiance we offer Biotics Research Optimal EFAs and Designs for Health Omega Avail. Both are fresh and mercury free. If you get “fish burps” from your fish oil, it is rancid! Stay FRESH!

Healthy joints need relief. Regular massage will relieve pain and stiffness in arthritic joints. Evidence suggests that massage also decreases stress, depression, muscle pain and spasms, and insomnia. Get AHHED!

Did you know that pain in the joints could be a sign of inflammation in the body that leads to premature aging and illness?  Our Radiance medical team is here to help you with scientific testing and revolutionary medical therapies to treat the underlying cause of your pain, not just mask your symptoms. Please call for a consultation. 281-367-4700.

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