World arthritis day -October 12 2013

World arthritis day -October 12 2013

The 2013/2014 the theme is  

‘Healthy ageing for people growing up and growing older with arthritis.’

It covers the physical and mental changes that occur as part of the ageing process from birth throughout our lifespan, as well as all the other factors that affect our ability to enjoy an optimal quality of life, including access to buildings, transport, technologies, medicines and treatments; societal attitudes; the lifestyle choices we make, and more

World arthritis day is dedicated to create awareness in people relating to pains caused in knee, joints and other body parts. Arthritis is seen in every age groups-men women, children, and young people but mainly found in elderly people. Mostly the age group of 50-66 is affected with the problem of arthritis. This causes in pain, swellings, and stiffness in joints. Therefore a day has been dedicated in order to aware the people all over the world about arthritis. In this day person come across with problems related with arthritis, take the steps to tackle it.

A healthy eating plan can greatly reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis.

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet which includes limiting sodium and avoiding foods that contain too much fat, sugar, or refined grains as well as consumption of “vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, seafood, lean meats, eggs, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.” This helps support the body so it can heal itself naturally. While some arthritic conditions may not be reversed, many sufferers can reduce their pain considerably by following some simple dietary advice. A consultation with a nutritionist or a physician about holistic medicine for arthritis may yield additional diet or lifestyle advice to help you manage your condition.

Diet should provide good amounts of calcium and vitamin D, Calcium and vitamin D work together to maintain strong bones. The body needs sufficient amounts of vitamin D to absorb and use calcium. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficient calcium absorption can weaken existing bones and prevent the formation of strong, new bone.

People with RA need a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including antioxidants (vitamin E, C, and selenium),  vitamin B6 and B12, folic acid, collagen, and zinc, which have potential benefits in managing RA symptoms.

Nutrition can help, either with medicines or, in some cases, instead of them. Foods affect the joints in two major ways. First, certain foods trigger the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and eliminating these foods sometimes causes even long-standing symptoms to improve or even remit entirely. Second, certain fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory action that can reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Your weight is the single most important link between diet and arthritis, as being overweight puts an additional burden on your hips, knees, ankles and feet. If you are unable to exercise as much because of your arthritis, you should reduce your calorie intake.This will prevent excess energy from the food you eat being stored in your body as fat.

However keeping active can minimise the ill effects of arthritis, so say the experts.

So stay active eat healthy and fight arthritis.