General aches and pains are can afflict us all at various times through our lives. Usually the discomfort is mild and passes on its own. We needn’t think too much about the cause, or it’s something obvious, such as physically over-straining ourselves.
Occasionally, though, discomfort becomes more severe and lingers, and the causes might not be as apparent. Particularly as our bodies age, it becomes important to guard against arthritis and more chronic forms of pain and immobility. Here are some proven methods so that you can live a pain-free and active life.
Use supplements
As the name suggests, a supplement should not be your only course of action, but combined with a healthy lifestyle, taking the right product can work wonders to ensure your body is getting all the help it needs.
Websites like sandiegohealth.org offer high quality, natural pain relief. Proven ingredients such as epimedium, turmeric, and Japanese fleece flower can, in the correctly balanced formula, bring significant benefits. Fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA are necessary for the body to function well. A good supplement will ensure you don’t lack these things.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Inflammation is a known cause of pain and discomfort, and certain foods can cause flare ups. It makes sense, then, that you should watch what you eat and stick to an anti-inflammatory diet.
Cold water fish, such as tuna, salmon and trout. These are full of Omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fish oils.
Nuts and seeds. These are often overlooked, but provide essential, healthy fats and oils, to repair and protect your bodies connective tissues.
Whole grains. Because it’s known that refined grains can cause an inflammatory response in the body, always choose a wholegrain alternative.
Dark chocolate. A delicious treat, but when you’re buying chocolate, make sure to go for something that’s at least 70% cocoa. That’s the ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties, so the higher the better. But you need to avoid an excess of fat and sugar, so don’t have too much chocolate, even the good kind!
Green tea. This Japanese favorite has anti-oxidant properties. Matcha is a more concentrated version, even better for your health, and can be made into a delicious latte. Just be careful your latte isn’t too loaded with high-fat, sugary ingredients, though.
Exercise regularly and be active
Physical discomfort might make you want to stay home and move less, but in fact, it’s critical to remain active. Exercise and movement play a key role in keeping you supple and healthy.
According to the CDC, people with rheumatoid arthritis should do low-impact, aerobic exercise three to five times a week. If your pain is less severe, you can do more than this, and you might soon find that not only are your aches gone, but you’re sleeping better, you have more energy, and your mood is elevated.
Walking and light running can be done anywhere, and benefit your heart and lungs as well as helping ease aches and pains.
Swimming is low-impact and relaxing, stretching your muscles and offering relief to your joints.
Strength training makes your muscles, well… stronger! And stronger muscles means less strain on your joints, and greater overall resilience. Start gently and work your way up gradually, trying weight machines, resistance bands and free weights, and seeing which combination works best for you.
Yoga is fantastic for flexibility and range-of-motion. It’s also deeply relaxing, and can be highly beneficial for mental and emotional well-being.
Regular physical activity is very important. The great thing about eating carefully and exercising is that you’ll naturally lose weight, gain strength and energy, and improve your posture, all factors that are crucial in warding off aches, pains and general ill health.
Heat and cold
Both heat and cold can be useful in treating joint pain, and pain in the lower back. Heat acts as a relaxant, soothing stiffness and encouraging flexibility. Try using a hot water bottle or a warm pad, applied directly to the area of discomfort.
Cold, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and swelling. Use an ice pack, applied directly to the painful region.
Try using both heat and cold, as you require, to see how it affects your condition. In general, heat and cold are also very useful in aiding your body as it relaxes, recovers and strengthens after exercise.
Aromatherapy and acupuncture
Both aromatherapy and acupuncture have grown tremendously in popularity as alternative, holistic practices. They are effective in treating a wide range of conditions, and in boosting wellness.
Always be sure to seek out qualified practitioners who can explain their methods and deliver a personalized course of treatment.
Overall, lifestyle factors are greatly important in keeping away aches and pains. And this is a great situation, as you’ll soon find that through taking the necessary steps to soothe discomfort, you’ll balance your health, boost your energy, and improve your mood.
