Health tips for supple and flexible joints
We often take our joints for granted and don't
think about looking after them until later in
life or if we have over used them through sport
or exercise. Whatever our age and whether a
walker or runner, gardener or serious athlete,
we should all be thinking about the long-term
health of our joints. Joints are really amazing
mechanisms. What other machinery do we know of
in the physical world that can move flexibly and
carry weight for decade after decade without
breaking down?
If running the marathon isn't your cup of tea
and you just want to be fit and well, and able
to get on with your life, read on.
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• Eat at
least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a
day - these contain important antioxidant
vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids and
selenium.
• Eating oily fish such as salmon, trout,
sardines, herring and mackerel is also just
as important.
• Drink 6-8 large glasses of water a day to
maintain good hydration and flow of
nutrients to the joints.
• If you are overweight, try to lose some as
excess weight places extra stress on joints.
• Regular physical activity is good for your
joints - it keeps the muscles around the
joints strong and helps replenish
lubrication to the cartilage of the joint.
Exercise also helps to enhance energy and
stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving
sleep.
• Try a balanced fitness programme that
includes walking, swimming, cycling, and
stretching exercises.
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Day to
day
Just as when exercising, you have to prepare
your muscles and joints for the day. Gentle
stretching exercise and/or a warm shower or bath
to loosen up could help.
Please note that any health tips
or advice provided on this site are not intended
as, and should not be regarded as a substitute
for medical advice from your doctor or health
professional. |
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