5. Weight Loss
If you are already at or below your ideal weight, feel free to skip ahead. But if you know you could lose a few pounds to be healthier, your painful joints are one more reason to start now. The more weight your joints must bear, the more strain and damage they will receive.
It’s never easy to lose weight. Our dietary habits are so ingrained, and food can be a great comfort in times of pain and stress. But certain foods can also make your joint pain worse, especially if it is caused by arthritis.
Try following an arthritis-friendly diet made up of healthy whole foods that reduce inflammation – the immediate reduction in pain can make it easier to keep it up while the pounds come off gradually.