Flexible like Olympians: Health and Wellness Blog

Part of flexibility includes joint health. According to Shaklee Health Sciences, without healthy joints, activities such as walking would be much more challenging, because joints serve as links between our bones, providing stability and helping to control body movements.

As we age, the cushioning between joints begins to break down. Add excess body weight, injury, and overexertion, and our joints really do take a beating. Then consider inflammation: did you know that consuming a fast food meal can send your body into a state of inflammation that lasts several hours? And that inflammation has been linked to a whole host of health issues, including heart disease and Alzheimer's, but is particularly bad for the health of your joints? 

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of certain foods, a healthful diet can help you fight off inflammation and improve joint function. (Regular exercise, not smoking, and losing weight are powerful tools, too.)

Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods include: fish and walnuts (omega-3 fatty acids), olive oil, red wine and dark chocolate (Resveratrol in red wine), turmeric (curry), tart cherries (may have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food).

Even in my thirties, I notice more difficulty standing after staying in one position for too long or having less endurance in any one position than earlier in my life.

In addition to eliminating fast food, stretching through yoga, and increasing anti-inflammatory foods, I also take a natural joint supplement that supports healthy joints in three ways: improves cushioning, maintains healthy connective tissue that gives strength and structure to joints and increases joint comfort.

I do not have kids yet so I want to do everything possible to improve my joints and flexibility over time . . . I have a long way to go to match the Olympians :).

How do you keep your joints healthy?

For your FREE consultation (in person, over the phone, via email), speaking and training needs, tips, or gift certificates, please contact Jessica Crouch: www.ChooseToImprove.com, Jessica@OrganizeAnywhere.com, 319-504-6689. Remember, reaching a goal with help is better than not reaching it at all: working with busy women who are passionate about making a change in their health because they are “sick and tired” of being sick and tired - mentoring them using natural health & wellness so they can save money and sick days!