Most of us don’t give attention to our joints until they hurt or cause inconvenience. But as far as joint pain is concerned, prevention is the best cure in the long run. Just like other body parts, our joints also deserve attention before they actually start causing discomfort. Taking care of your joints from an early age not just lessens the chances of joint issues as you age, but also improves overall health and well-being. Here are some things you can do to safeguard your joints and keep them healthy as you age:

Replace soda with water: Know that the body’s cartilage, connective tissue that cushions the joints, is made up of 80 percent water. And if the body is not hydrated, it pulls water from the cartilage as well as other areas. This can create havoc on the joints and cause pain. So make sure you always stay hydrated by replacing energy drinks and soda with water. Listen to your body’s signs when it needs water, and increase your water consumption when exercising or during hot weather.

Prioritize Intake of Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium and Vitamin D are two nutrients that are very important for bone health. Low calcium is directly linked to decreased bone density and significantly increases the risk of fracture. And vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium. So make sure you get yourself tested to check if there is a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. You can also take vitamin D supplements and joint health supplements after consulting your doctor. All these supplements can easily be purchased from reliable platforms like Healthskool Pharmacy.

Opt for low-impact activities: If you are into fitness and exercising, it is preferred that you opt for low-impact activities as they are gentler on the joints when compared to intense workouts that put stress on the joints. Walking, cycling, swimming and outdoor sports like golf are preferred low-impact activities that you must consider. You can also do muscle strengthening exercises like weight training to keep the muscles that support joints healthy. But be careful with your work-outs and make sure you never overdo it. If you feel pain in the ankles after workout, purchase ankle supports online as they provide strength and support to the weak joint.

Quit Smoking: If you are a smoker, then do know that smoking significantly increases the risk of bone fracture and osteoporosis. Also know that chances of injuries involving bursitis or tendonitis and problems like rheumatoid arthritis and lower back pain also increases, if you are a smoker. So if you want to improve your joint health, stop smoking and start leading a healthy lifestyle.

Follow these simple steps and it will go a long way in keeping your joints healthy.