Arthritis can have a significant effect on your quality of life. Going about your daily routine can become more and more difficult when you’re fatigued, have pain in your joints, and experience swelling. Fortunately, there are some specific lifestyle changes you can make that may have a positive impact on discomfort. Here's a closer look.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Minimize Arthritic Symptoms?

1. Eat the Right Foods

While there’s no universal dietary plan for patients with arthritis, you may find it helpful to consume foods with anti-inflammatory properties. These foods can limit inflammation in the body, helping you avoid pain and discomfort. 

For example, a diet should incorporate fish, such as salmon and anchovies, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that minimize inflammatory protein content in the body. Nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil may also be effective options.

2. Monitor Your Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain on your joints, which may otherwise contribute to your discomfort. In addition to consuming low-fat foods that are high in fiber, a key step is to exercise regularly. This supports joint health, protecting and supporting functionality so that the body can move more efficiently. 

You’ll become more flexible while burning some of the calories that lead to weight gain. Always check with your health care provider before beginning any type of exercise program.

3. Get Enough Sleep

While people often attribute their pain to arthritis itself, a lack of quality sleep might contribute to symptoms. Poor habits can aggravate joint pain, as a connection has been found between sleeping less and the activity in the central nervous system pathways. When you aren’t well rested, it’s possible that the parts of the spinal cord and the brain that regulate pain in the body might misfire, causing you to experience even more discomfort than you would otherwise.

If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort due to arthritis, you aren’t alone. Turn to the professionals at Spectrum Healthcare in Cornelia, GA. They’re proud to offer a broad range of services to promote your long-term health, including pain management and massage therapy. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (706) 778-0077 to schedule an appointment.