Don't ignore joint pain and morning stiffness, it could be arthritis; doctor suggests preventative measures

News Topical, Digital Desk : Do you experience pain or stiffness in your knees and joints after waking up in the morning? Do you feel tired throughout the day and have a decreased appetite? If so, these could be symptoms of arthritis. It can sometimes also be accompanied by fever.

If these symptoms are not addressed in time, they can cause problems for many joints, including the hands, feet, elbows, hips, and knees. Often, at the beginning of any illness, people ignore fatigue or pain, considering it a mild symptom. Over time, the disease can become severe. 

How should the food be?

• Fish like salmon, tuna etc. can help in controlling inflammation.
• Eating fruits and vegetables also reduces inflammation . Peas and beans are fat-free. They also contain antioxidants, folic acid, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
• Whole grains should be consumed more often than refined grains, as they are richer in nutrients and fiber . 
• Bread, cereals and other food items should be purchased only after reading the labels.

Avoid foods that increase inflammation 

• More fried and grilled foods.
• Sugar and refined carbs. 
• Dairy products in large quantities  
• alcohol and tobacco consumption 
• Food items containing salt and preservatives etc.

keep these things in mind

• Even if you feel pain, you should remain physically active and keep your hands and legs moving.  
• Yoga and meditation help reduce swelling.
• Avoid going out in pollution, use a mask. 
• Be careful not to compromise your sleep. Poor sleep can lead to problems like obesity and depression. 
• Keep in mind that if you are constantly stressed, it can worsen the disease. 
• This disease is more common in women than in men. 

Adopt a healthy lifestyle 

Dr. Uma Kumar (Professor and Head of the Department of Rheumatology, AIIMS, New Delhi) Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is rapidly increasing. Environment and lifestyle factors are also responsible for this. Genes contribute 30 to 40 percent to any disease, with the rest being external factors.

The immune system of a healthy body protects against viruses, bacteria, etc. that attack tissues and cells, but when the structure of the proteins present in these cells changes due to the influence of external factors, the immune system starts destroying its own body cells.

This causes inflammation in the body and leads to autoimmune diseases. Air pollution, chemical pesticides, and poor diet all play a major role in this. Preventing diseases like arthritis is possible only through a healthy lifestyle.

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