8 Proven Ways To Reduce Joint Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural defense mechanism activated by the immune system to shield against injury and infection. Yet, persistent inflammation - marked by redness, swelling, heat, pain, and reduced function - is thought to play a role in ailments such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and others. Inflammation can be triggered by trauma, sickness, and stress.

What can you do about inflammation?

Follow these 8 tips to reducing overall inflammation overall, and improving your long-term joint health:

1. Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Spring is a great time for a deep cleanse with OHI’s all-raw, organic, plant-based diet, allowing you to get a baseline for better health. Our program eliminates the top three inflammation trigger foods of sugar, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates, and focuses on nutritional superstars that rid the body of inflammation:
2. Wheatgrass juice: Wheatgrass is a major anti-inflammatory food. Studies have found that chlorophyll, a compound found in wheatgrass, decreases inflammation.
3. Sprouts: Few foods can rival sprouts for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying qualities. Broccoli, mung bean, chia seed, red clover, lentil, and radish sprouts are integral to an inflammation-busting diet.
4. Increase Healthy Oils: While the OHI plan avoids fats overall, certain fats like omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent choice to help fight vascular inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in flaxseeds.
5. Stay Hydrated: Hydration helps our bodies flight inflammation by flushing out toxins. Most of the water in our bodies is stored in joints and connective tissue (tendons, ligaments), where water acts as a lubricant. When we get dehydrated, our bodies look for water in other areas, including our joints, and redistribute it where it’s needed. Taking water from your joints enables toxins to remain, which fuels pain and inflammation. So DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!
6. Exercise Regularly: At OHI, our program places a huge emphasis on lymphatic exercise and stretching. The lymphatic system needs your help to move the fluid through the body because it doesn’t have an automatic pump like the heart. The lymphatic system is stimulated by gravity and muscle contraction, so moving your body is the key to moving fluid through the lymphatic system. OHI guests take advantage of our daily Gentle Lymphatic Exercise class and Stretch class to beat back inflammation.
7. Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep is the foundation for good health, and giving yourself complete rest every night is one of the best things that you can do to improve your wellbeing. OHI teaches guests how to quiet and focus the mind so they can get the most rejuvenate rest possible.
8. Manage Stress: OHI’s Guided Meditation Classes, Mental Detox class, Vision Board class, Rock Painting class, and the Pray, Eat, Live class are all great de-stressors. Our practice of gratitude journaling is also a great choice to eliminate stress, and keep positive.

To reduce inflammation and promote healthy joints, consider a one, two, or three-week stay at OHI San Diego or OHI Austin. Book your next visit to OHI today. Call OHI at (800) 588-0809 to learn more about our holistic approach to health and wellness.