Arthritis Awareness Week 13th

I missed the Awareness Week but feel it’s important to still get the information out.

It’s National Arthritis Awareness Week!

We often take the freedom of movement for granted, until it becomes limited. For most people, the main cause of this comes in the form of arthritis. Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. There are two main types of arthritis, Osteo is the most common types that damages the cartilage, joints and bones. This type of arthritis usually comes with age and is associated with wear and tear over the years. The second type is Rheumatoid Arthritis which is caused by the immune system attacking the joints as if they were foreign tissues.

Here’s a rather surprising fact: Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children are suffering with joint pain (or disease). Arthritis Awareness Month helps all of us deal with this commonly misunderstood health issue.

There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases. The most common types include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), fibromyalgia, and gout.

5 FOODS TO HELP FIGHT ARTHRITIS

Tart cherries

They offer powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits — providing joint pain relief, while lowering the risk of flares in those with gout.
Colorful vegetables

Think sweet potatoes, carrots, red (or green) peppers and squash. Peppers, especially, are an abundant source of vitamin C, which preserves bone, and may protect cartilage.
Seafood

The best? Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. They can all help decrease inflammation and protect the heart. Look for frozen or canned fish to save money.
Walnuts

They’re high in alpha linoleic acid (ALA), a type of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid. Eating walnuts regularly can also lower cholesterol, relax blood vessels, and reduce blood pressure
Garlic

It can help fight pain, inflammation, and cartilage damage. If possible, try for fresh garlic to avoid unwanted preservatives and processing — which could decrease the benefits.

I had no idea that Fibromyalgia was considered Arthritis. I’m glad I did some research. It’s interesting that food can affect Arthritis. Sometimes when we have a health issue we don’t research it enough because we live with it every day. I knew that Garlic was good for you, beware if you eat too much, you’ll smell like garlic. The lovely aroma of my gramps.