All you need to know about beating Arthritis naturally

How does arthritis start?

Arthritis occurs when there is inflammation in the joints. Inflammation occurs when there are excessive amounts of white blood cells at the site of the joint, causing swelling and discomfort. Joint inflammation often results in reduced mobility, stiffness and the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage which can impede on all kinds of physical movement.

At what age do people get arthritis?

It is a common misconception that arthritis is part of ‘growing old’, however this is widely misunderstood.  There are over one hundred different types of arthritis, affecting people of all ages. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of any age including children, and is often hereditary. Osteoarthritis is most commonly found in elderly people, and usually occurs as a result of many years of repetitive (and inevitable) joint movement. The repetitive use of our joints causes damage to the cartilage which in turn, leads to swelling, joint inflammation and pain in adults.

How can I prevent arthritis?

By focusing on a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet, your overall health with benefit which will in turn assist in the prevention of health-related diseases including arthritis. Keeping mobile is also a fundamental part of preventing arthritis.

Too much running or high impact exercises may contribute to arthritis through causing leg and knee joints to deteriorate. Strengthening exercises such as resistance training and aerobic exercised are helpful in preventing arthritis.

Stress is known to contribute to inflammation, so it is important to manage your lifestyle appropriately and to partake in activities to help combat and reduce stress levels. Range-of-motion exercises such as tai chi and yoga help relieve stress and at the same time stress on your joints and improve balance.

In addition to exercising appropriately, supplementation is also a vital component of preventing arthritis. A standardised Rosehip powder with GOPO® has shown in a study to prevent the destruction of cartilage, which helps to prevent joints from degenerating and swelling.

What can I do if I already suffer from joint pain?

Diet – Diet plays a significant role in managing joint pain. It is important to avoid foods that cause inflammation in the body such as processed/refined foods, acidic foods and foods with a high sugar content. Aim to eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and protein and drink plenty of water to flush out toxins in the body.

Exercise Studies show that tai chi can help reduce pain and stiffness felt by people with arthritis, whilst simultaneously reducing stress levels. Other exercises including hydrotherapy are also safe for people with arthritis and can help to relieve stress through the release of endorphins in the body. It may also be useful to follow a professional stretching program, designed specifically for your needs.

Supplementation – A study on a standardised Rosehip powder with GOPO® indicated that 82% of Osteoarthritis patients had a reduction in pain after 3 weeks of treatment with the powder. A standardised Rosehip Powder with GOPO® is supported by over 30 unique scientific papers, proven to help temporarily relieve joint pain associated with Arthritis, increase joint mobility, relieve inflammation and joint swelling and improve the symptoms of lower back pain. The unique property in the standardised Rosehip powder is the special patented compound, GOPO®, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory to help alleviate pain, and can only be obtained if the Rosehips are dried using a special patented process.