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How to Improve from Osteoarthritis

Salzburg, Austria - July 15, 2017: Several Falun Dafa members demonstrate traditional Chinese gymnastics movement combined with elements of Buddhism. (Photo:© Felix Bensman |Dreamstime.com)

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By Mehry Seyyad, Lillian Zheng

March 20, 2021
4:55 pm
Los Angeles, CA

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 30 million adults in the U.S. It develops when cartilage in the joints breaks down over time as we age. It is not possible for specific foods or nutritional supplements to cure osteoarthritis, but according to the Arthritis Foundation, diet can prove helpful. A balanced nutritious diet can help prevent further damage. Eating enough antioxidants including vitamins A, C, and E may help reduce cholesterol, and maintain a healthy weight. The Mediterranean Diet that consists of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, yogurt, nuts and olive oil can help reduce inflammation, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. EIGHT FOODS TO EAT and why including them in your diet can strengthen bones, muscles, and joints. OILY FISH Sardines, salmon,

EIGHT FOODS TO EAT and why including them in your diet can strengthen bones, muscles, and joints.

OILY FISH Sardines, salmon, mackerel and fresh tuna contain lots of Omega-3 fatty acids (other sources of Omega-3 include chia seeds and walnuts)

OILS Extra Virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and safflower oil

DAIRY Milk, yogurt, kefir and cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D and increase bone strength

DARK LEAFY GREENS Spinach, chard, kale and collard greens are rich in vitamin D and stress-fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants for calcium absorption and boost the immune system

BROCCOLI Rich in vitamins K and C and contains a compound called sulforaphane which could slow the progression of osteoarthritis

GREEN TEA Contains polyphenols and antioxidants which reduce inflammation and slow the rate of cartilage breakdown

GARLIC May work against the enzymes in the body that damage cartilage

NUTS Good for the heart and contain high levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which boost the immune system

THREE TYPES OF FOOD TO AVOID

SUGAR Soda, sweet tea, flavored coffee, etc. which release cytokines that act as inflammatory messengers in the body

SATURATED FAT Pizza, red meat, fried foods, and certain cooking oils

REFINED

CARBOHYDRATES White bread, white rice, potato chips

Various diet supplements and food routines might help reduce the growing pain of Osteoarthritis. However, some simple exercises have been overlooked nowadays. Traditional meditative movements offer benefits where practitioners usually bend their legs during different sets of exercises that can open up joints and increase flexibility.

In the past, there were countless of examples of miracles in health occurring through mediation combined with mental training. Particularly in the countryside of Northeastern China, people are used to sitting cross-legged on the earth-made beds which attached to walls in their homes. They would chat with friends and family or do house chores together, such as sewing, shoe-making, or play poker while sitting in a position that strengthens their core muscles, bends their legs and relaxes their knees.

Though China has been modernized, this custom is still being practiced in most of the rural homes in the Northern part of China. A similar sitting custom has also been practicing by traditional Japanese and Koreans. This sitting tradition has unknowingly benefitted the Chinese population with fewer suffering Osteoarthritis among elders relative to the West.