Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is an important issue for all of us and not least for arthritis sufferers. Eating well, taking exercise, reducing stress levels and socialising with other people are all important aspects which provide a wide range of benefits.

None of these will cure arthritis but they do make a significant difference to the symptoms which can have a positive impact on a person’s quality of life.

If you have arthritis and are looking at ways of managing this condition then look no further than your current lifestyle.

What do we mean by a healthy lifestyle? This means a sensible diet and regular exercise. Food supplements may help as can forms of relaxation such as yoga or meditation.

Benefits of a healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle improves both your physical and psychological wellbeing. This is of particular importance to arthritis sufferers who often enjoy less than perfect health but want to remain in as good a shape as possible.

Exercise is one of the most important aspects of this lifestyle. For arthritis sufferers it means toned, flexible muscles and joints which eases stiffness and improves mobility. This also enables you to stay as active as possible.

Find out more about the benefits of exercise in our exercise for arthritis section.

Eating healthily means consuming the right amount of calories to maintain your weight (or fewer if you need to lose weight) as well as ensuring that you have all the nutrients you need. This means the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Plus there is evidence to show that certain foods may help to ease the symptoms of arthritis. Likewise, there are foods which you should avoid eating as these your symptoms.

The importance of a healthy diet is discussed in more detail in our diet for arthritis section.