I remember hearing someone say “rest is best” when it came to joint pain…
But if you’ve ever had arthritis—or any joint pain—you’ll know that while doing nothing feels like the best option at the time…
…it often makes things worse long term.
You lose muscle..
Mobility gets worse..
Everyday tasks get harder
And the pain returns the moment you try to get going again..
And yet, with all the information out there on joint health, arthritis, autoimmune triggers, inflammation, lectins, gluten, dairy, stress, fish oil, collagen, turmeric, posture, gut health, and exercise…
…it can feel overwhelming..
So let’s simplify it with what the research shows:
– Movement matters – (even if it’s adapted for you, in fact this is key) – don’t think you have to lift heavy weights. Bring it back to basics. Move with correct form and technique and focus on muscle mind connection so you get maximal tension in the muscles to strengthen them with minimal impact on the joints. Don’t be afraid to limit the range of movement as well. If you can’t squat all of the way down? Go half way…
– Food can help or hinder (and sometimes it’s both) – A Mediterranean diet full of veggies, greens, lots of fish, fruit, and lean meats is a good way to start. A Low Fermentation / FODMAP Plan – for less digestive stress – may then be a good thing to look at, as well as more anti-inflammatory foods and if you also have high cholesterol, this could be something to look at, as there does appear to be an association between the two.
– Stress is sneaky (yes, even the stuff you think you’re managing “fine”)
We broke it all down this week in our Q and A on arthritis – everything from osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, to which foods can actually help (hint: not all beans are evil due to lectins, and mackerel doesn’t cure everything… but omega 3 sure does help).
And one of the biggest takeaways?
“Doing nothing might feel easier, but it rarely helps you feel better.”
So what could you do today?
Message or comment with ‘arthritis’ and I can send you over the seminar.
And no, this doesn’t mean cutting everything you love.
We’re about the 3Fs:
- Food that works for you (and tastes good)
- Fitness that meets you where you’re at
- Focus to keep you moving even when life gets messy
So if you’ve been telling yourself you’ll wait until it’s “less achy”, “less busy”, or “after the holidays”…
Maybe this is your nudge to try something different.
Because nothing changes… if nothing changes.
(And I’m pretty sure you already know what staying the same looks like. Sometimes it’s not more motivation we need but bigger consequences. Thinking about what might happen 5 years from now if nothing changes)
Matt “Author of the anti-inflammatory mackerel diet” Fruci