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Lifestyle Changes

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, it is important to ask your doctor if there is anything in your lifestyle that could change to help relieve your symptoms.

Lifestyle changes that will help relieve arthritis:

•    quit smoking

•    loose weight if necessary - For every kilo you are overweight, your knees take an extra 3 to 5 kilograms of pressure, due to the downward forces of gravity and the impact we place on our legs as we walk.

•    lower salt, caffeine and alcohol intake

•    minimise purine rich food intake (most seafood, offal and beer)

•    consume plenty of water

•    get adequate sleep every night

•    begin a medically guided exercise program to increase muscle strength to aid stability and reduce the load on the joints

•    consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, lean meats and low fat dairy products