At this very moment, your joints are working hard to make your life easier. Whether you’re sitting or standing, chances are you’re using your knees, hips, elbows, wrists or hands. It’s obvious that joint health is crucial to overall comfort and wellness. So what can you do to support healthy joints?
- Nourish Your Joints. There are plenty of helpful nutrients that can support healthy joint function. Calcium, magnesium, selenium and vitamins A, C and E are just a few. Other compounds naturally found in the body, such as glucosamine, chondroitin and S-Adenosylmethionine (otherwise known as SAMe), can also help support healthy joints.
- Lose Excess Weight. If you’ve packed on a few extra pounds, you could be putting your joints at risk. Take the pressure off your knees, hips and back by keeping your weight at a healthy level.
- Perfect Your Posture. Just like your mother told you, it’s best to sit up straight! Practicing good posture when sitting or standing can evenly distribute your weight without putting extra pressure on any one joint.
- Exercise Safely. Exercising is great way to support healthy joints. By building muscle, you can reduce excess strain on your joints. Strengthening your core is good for helping maintain balance. But always take great care, by wearing proper gear such as helmets, wristguards and other items that can help protect your body and joints from exercise-related injury. After exercise, ice down your joints to reduce swelling that may occur.
- Know Your Limits. Don’t participate in any activity that you don’t think your body can handle.
How do you support healthy joints? Share and discuss your ideas here!