Winter is upon us once again, and we have to prepare ourselves in order to make the best of the cold weather that comes with the winter months. While many families are stuffing their cabinets with flu and cold medicines, and improving the hygiene levels in their homes, other people are starting to worry about the dreadful effects that winter has upon the symptoms they are experiencing due to arthritis. Individuals who suffer from arthritis are already aware of the fact that cold and wet weather often causes them to experience more pain. Fortunately, with some preparations, people who suffer from arthritis can go through winter without allowing the cold weather to increase the severity of their painful symptoms.
In this post, we would like to take a look at information about arthritis management during the winter months, as well as share some helpful tips about particular types of food that can be included in a person’s diet to help them reduce the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. These foods are especially useful during the winter months, when the pain caused by the effects that arthritis has on the joints tend to become more severe.
Why Are Symptoms Of Arthritis Worse During The Winter?
People who suffer from arthritis joint pain usually know when the cold weather from winter is coming up, even without having to consider what season they are in. It is a known fact that winter causes painful symptoms caused by arthritis to become more severe, and some people are even able to predict changes in the weather as they start to experience this increase in the severity of their symptoms even before the cold weather strikes or before it starts to rain.
The Arthritis Association of Western Australia explains that this is not actually just a belief concerning arthritis symptoms and colder weather conditions, but has actually been scientifically proven to be something that really happens. They continue to explain that a recent study asked patients with arthritis about their symptoms – including when their symptoms were especially severe and painful. Amongst all the study participants, 67.9% claimed that they experience an increase in pain in colder weather.
The study has also provided more insight into why this may be the case. While most people tend to think that the increase in pain symptoms they experience during winter or colder weather is caused by the cold temperatures their bodies are exposed to, scientific experts suggest that this may not be the case. It seems like the increased pain is rather called by adjustments in barometric pressure, also called atmospheric pressure. These changes occur prior to a storm, cold weather or rainfall, and refers to changes in the atmosphere’s weight. Thus, the barometric pressure changes are what causes a person suffering from arthritis to experience the changes in their symptoms, and not specifically the colder temperatures.
Superfoods That Will Help You Cope With Arthritis During Winter
While keeping warm is already at the top of the to-do list for people with arthritis during winter, it is important to take note that there are other methods in which the symptoms of arthritis can be controlled during the colder winter months. Certain types of foods, often dubbed as “superfoods”, have shown promising results when consumed by individuals suffering from arthritis, primarily due to the anti-inflammatory agents contained within these foods. Let’s take a look at some excellent superfoods to include in your diet during winter to help you keep your arthritis joint pain, as well as other symptoms, under control.
- Kale – Kale is often viewed as one of the healthiest foods on the planet. According to Mind Body Green, kale is high in nutrients and fibre, but low in calories. This means that a person can consume kale without having to worry about picking up weight, which can cause excess pressure on their painful joints. Additionally, kale contains a lot of omega fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation in joints affected by arthritis.
- Salmon – Salmon, as well as fish oil, are often prized for the numerous benefits they can offer the human body. Many people turn to salmon when they experience symptoms of mental decline. This particular type of fish contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body, including in the joints.
- Pumpkin – Pumpkin is a favourite amongst millions of people. This vegetable is not only delicious, but also hosts a great number of benefits. Now To Love explains that pumpkin is high in beneficial fats, as well as rich in powerful antioxidants, which can help to fight against joint damage and also alleviate inflammation.
- Turnips – Turnips are also often considered superfoods as these vegetables are packed with beneficial nutrients, as well as potent antioxidants. One of the most beneficial nutrients of turnips is vitamin C, which possesses potent anti-inflammatory benefits that may assist with reducing the symptoms of arthritis.
Other beneficial foods that are perfect for keeping the painful symptoms of arthritis at bay during winter include pears, tuna, brussel sprouts, chestnuts, winter squashes, apples and sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
While arthritis causes a patient to experience painful symptoms throughout the entire year, people with arthritis know that when winter comes closer, their symptoms tend to become more severe. Scientists have confirmed that cold and wet weather may have an impact on the symptoms of an arthritis patient. Keeping yourself warm during winter is not the only strategy that will help to keep the pain under control. In addition to this strategy, certain superfoods can be consumed regularly to help reduce inflammation in the joints and improve symptoms of arthritis muscle pain.
Author Bio
Kathy Mitchell is a Travel & Beauty Blogger. She likes to go out with her friends, travel, swim and practice yoga. In her free time, you can find Kathy curled up reading her favourite novel, or writing in her journal.
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