"Can you be prone to Osteoarthritis?"

For those of you who train with me, read my blogs, and who are clients of mine, have probably heard me talk of Physical activity being a key component in a healthy lifestyle. But, what happens when that key component becomes a real problem to maintain your health due to an ailment like osteoarthritis? Well, first lets get a good understanding of what osteoarthritis is, who can be affected, why does it happen, and how to best protect yourself from it.

*Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis out of over 100 types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect anyone; not just our elderly. As a matter of fact; it can strike the best of us, in great condition, at the prime of our lives.  It normally happens when the articulating cartilage begins to gradually wear away over the course of time, leaving bones exposed to continuous friction against other bones. It can also be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, disease, heredity, or injuries. However it is painful, all the same.

-Osteoarthritis and the Physically ELITE-

*Osteoarthritis affects the ELITE because of continuously over-working the body with physical activity.  There has been various studies on Osteoarthritis and world athletes. 

-Osteoarthritis and the SEDENTARY- 

 *Osteoarthritis affects the Sedentary due to inactivity... If we don't give our bodies the physical activity it need, our cartilage, joints, ligaments, tendons, and bones will not be strong enough to bounce back from injury or surgery, nor will it be able to heal itself properly.

-Osteoarthritis and HEREDITARY- 

Osteoarthritis can be hereditary, but it doesn't have to be in your life. If you know it's a part of your families history, there are many things you can do to stir clear of it, beginning with diet, moderate exercise, and natural supplements.

Here is a small list of suggestions that can help if you or your loved ones are prone to/or suffer from Osteoarthritis. 

Sulfur Rich Foods can help in repairing and rebuilding bones, cartilage, and connective tissues. It also aids in absorption of calcium

      Eggs

      Onions

      Garlic

      Asparagus

      Leafy Vegetables

      Fish (No Farm Raised)

      Soybean Product

      Avocados

      Tart Red Cherries

           Boron Rich Foods for Osteoarthritis:  Boron is a trace mineral that is can help with osteoarthritis, build bones, as well as muscle. These foods will assist in your healing. Dried fruit has higher concentrations of boron because of less water inside.

      Ginger

      Plums

      Red Grapes

      Apples

      Berries

      Dried Fruits

      Pure Raw Honey

      Olive oil

Natural Pain Relievers: 

Valerian, Kava, Cod Liver Oil, Hops, SAM-E, Glucosamine, ...and Many More

Inflammation Reducers:

Bromalian, Garlic, Ginger, parsley, Turmeric, Nettle Leaf, ...and Many More.

Exercise:

Walking, Water Aerobic (For severe Osteoarthritis.), Stretching, low impact exercises, seated exercises (For severe Osteoarthritis.), Physical Therapy

AVOID:

Strenuous and high impact exercises, Junk foods, sugar, caffeine, MSG, a sedentary lifestyle, citrus foods...all of these contribute to pain and continuous wearing away of cartilage.