Joints are finicky things. We run around as kids, exuding flexibility and joint health without realizing everything that they do; but as we age, it quickly becomes clear how important healthy joints are to maintain.

Below are some tips to maintain your joint health as you age, so you can still run around like a kid.

Posture

As most people know, sitting up straight is imperative. But, the reasoning behind it is to properly support your bones and ligaments, which includes your joints. Positioning your computer screen at eye-level, and using hands-free phone headsets, can prevent neck strain and the urge to curl your upper body over.

This will help with preserving upper body joints as you age.Your upper body ought to be spaced approximately 20-26 inches from your computer monitor, with the top at an even line with the top of your head, when your head is in a relaxed position.

Also, although standing desks are now all the rage over conventional sitting desks, neither only sitting or standing is good for you. Alternating between the two helps to keep your lower joints mobile.

Support

When handling heavy loads, use your strongest muscles and joints to take the stress off ofsmall hand joints. Spreading the load out over larger surface areas will prevent unnecessary strain on joints. When lifting or carrying items, use the palms of both of your hands or use your arms instead of your hands. Holding items close to your body is also less stressful for your joints. For joint safety at any age, slide objects whenever possible rather than lifting them.

Reduce your strain

One of the most common places to begin with this is to lose weight. Aside from looking better, you’ll feel better, too. Every extra pound gained puts four times the stress on your knees. On the flip side, even a small amount of weight loss will give immense relief. Research has shown that as little as 11 pounds lost may improve joint health. As knee joints are one of the most common joints to complain about with age, proper weight is a key way to avoid needing to complain about them.

Let food be your medicine

Checking out the website Joint Health Guide can provide a wealth of knowledge for joint power packed food ideas. However, think of it as pick, pour or peel. Look for vitamin C rich options, usually fruits, that you can pick, pour the juice of, or peel fairly quickly. Antioxidants in addition to vitamin C that are found in these kinds of foods are exceptionally helpful in protecting joints.

It becomes harder to absorb vital nutrients with age, so consuming them in double time will help ensure proper vitamin intake. For maximum benefits, eat a rainbow. Green veggies especially are abundant in calcium, which is a main component of preventing the degradation of your joints.

Curtailing your caffeine intake will help avoid cancelling out the good effects of your nutrient rich food. While caffeine may be necessary most mornings, the second or third (or fourth) serving of it isn’t. The excess caffeine isn’t good for your brain, which will crash later, or for your bones, because it can bond to many of the healthy nutrients like calcium that strong joints need.

Using joint-beneficial health supplements can ensure you benefit from vitamin K and calcium which are bone-building vitamins, vitamin C for tissue repair, vitamin E for natural pain relief, folic acid, and more. A supplement by the name of Glucosamine which is produced from the shells of lobster, crab and shrimp, has been  identified to ease joint pain and stiffness, and may even contribute to cartilage repair. This is exceptionally necessary in preserving your joints.

Exercise

Building strong bones with upped calcium intake, whether through food or calcium supplements, doesn’t allow the time they need to decay. In addition, throwing some fish on the grill for the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel, can help keep your joints healthy as you age. Studies show omega-3s can also reduce the pain and inflammation of stiffened joints. Strength resistance training and low impact cardio are the way to go for long term benefit to joint health.

Joint health is imperative to an enjoyable life. Utilizing the above tips can help you support the components of your body that are crucial for any and all kinds of movement in daily activities.

Article Submitted By Community Writer