My rather short vacation was a tremendous help and the increased walking really helped with the arthritis that seems to be taking hold. Since early stage arthritis can be treated, there are some ways you can adopt so that you can avoid a diagnosis of arthritis, an inflammatory process within your body.

• Keep your immune cells calm with the immune system boosting vitamin D to the tune of 600 to 800 IU’s a day.  The closer you are to the Equator, the less vitamin D you will need to take.
• Any exercise will tone muscles and boost blood flow to your body’s joints.  Cartilage repair is done through smooth, repetitive motion, thickening the cartilage in your legs and hips
• Lose weight since increased weight puts more pressure on the knees and hip joints.
• Stop smoking since smoking doubles your risk for rheumatoid arthritis
• Selenium is an antioxidant that cleans up free radicals which attack joint tissue.  Sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds and mushrooms are high in selenium, thus providing protection to the joints.
• Eat safe proteins such as chicken, eggs, fish and beans.  Red meat tends to increase the body’s inflammatory process. which can damage joint tissues.

If you already have symptoms of arthritis, you may want to look into taking SAMe, 1200mg daily, willow bark, 240mg daily and MSM 2 to 6 grams daily. Willow bark is nature’s natural aspirin.

Before taking the above, consult with your primary doctor to make sure you are able to take the above natural substances safely. Hopefully a pain free life awaits you.