How to Strengthen Your Joints Naturally

 

Human beings are built to move. When you put your body through physical challenges, you will be using hundreds of muscles and joints that keep everything running as it should. Unfortunately, the aging process is inevitable, which means you will lose bone and muscle mass that leads to joint problems. To ward off problems later down the line, here are five ways you can strengthen your joints naturally, helping to keep you fit and active.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you are overweight, this will put a huge strain on your joints, such as your ankles, knees, back, and hips. Every excess pound of weight you carry places an extra four pounds of pressure on your joints. Therefore, monitoring your weight is essential for keeping your joints strong and healthy, as well as decreasing your risk of joint damage.

Stay Active

We all know how important regular exercise is for our health and wellbeing. Staying active can help in reducing joint stiffness. So, make sure that you move around as often as you can during the day, and try to avoid being in one position for too long. There are lots of low-impact activities that you can do, including walking, cycling, and swimming. Any of those listed will help strengthen your joints, keep you mobile, and potentially help you lose weight in the process. If you have movement limitations and aren’t sure what kind of exercise to do, there are assisted stretching services that you can use that will monitor your joints and determine your strength and flexibility needs.

Use Correct Posture

You may not be aware of it, but the way you stand and sit can have a huge impact on joint health. Using proper posture will reduce added stress on your joints, as well as decrease your risk of injury to your muscles. When performing repetitive motions, make sure that you’re mindful of your position, especially if you’re lifting or carrying heavy objects. If you have incorrect posture, you will put yourself at a higher risk of joint damage and injuries.

Change Your Diet

Following a balanced diet can not only help you lose weight, but improve joint health. Make sure that you pack your plate with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Foods full of vitamin D and calcium can also keep your bones strong. To reduce inflammation, you should eat foods like green leafy vegetables and tomatoes.

Stop Smoking

Many individuals are unaware of the risks that smoking can bring to your joint health. If you are a smoker, you will be at an increased risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. Smoking also increases the chance of injuries, the chance of tendonitis and bursitis, and also puts you at higher risk of back pain. If you stop smoking, you will notice a huge improvement in your bone and joint health.

Building resilient joints can improve your quality of life, keep your fitness levels in check, and reduce your risk of health problems later in life. Strong, flexible joints benefit every area of your life, meaning you will have more strength and speed, and be more resilient to injury.