Most people know that changes in the weather, especially when it gets cold or rains, affect arthritis and joint pain. However, few realize there is a connection between summer and arthritis. Right when it is warm and humid, joint pain can be even worse. We will explore the relationship between summer and arthritis a little deeper, and let you know what you can do to reduce the pain you feel in your joints.
The Connection Between Weather and Chronic Pain
While still not understood that well, it’s known that the weather plays a direct role in making chronic pain, especially due to arthritis, worse. This is something that has been observed and documented for at least the past 2,000 years. The prevailing theory today is that the fluid that is responsible for lubricating your joints becomes restricted when it gets warmer outside. Whatever the reason, the effects are still occurring. The hotter and more humid it gets, the more soreness and inflammation you may experience.
Regardless of what arthritis condition you have, summer and arthritis are a recipe for pain. With around a third of those with arthritis having their mobility limited, there comes out to be a lot of people who could use some relief.
How to Reduce Summer-Fueled Joint Pain
There are several ways you can reduce the joint pain stemming from arthritis during the summer. Here are a few ways that have provided tried and true results of reducing joint pain when it’s hot and humid outside.
1) Stay Indoors
This is probably the simplest and easiest action to take. When you stay indoors as much as you can during the sweltering heat, you can stay in a climate-controlled environment. When you use an air conditioner or fan, you can keep things cooled down enough, where your joint pain won’t be flaring up as much. Another helpful way to keep your joint pain at bay is to run a dehumidifier when it’s very humid. This will dry out the air more in your home and make it easier to tolerate the heat.
2) Exercise
Taking part in light exercises, such as water aerobics, pilates, yoga, tai chi, and stretching, can all help you reduce your joint pain. Low-impact exercises will get your joints lubricated and working more smoothly. Also, strengthening the muscles around your joints will put less pressure and strain on them, making them hurt less.
3) Wear Appropriate Clothing
When it’s hot and humid, you will find that wearing natural fabrics, as well as clothes that are loose-fitting, will help your body breathe. This will help your body feel cooler, which reduces the adverse effects of the heat you want to beat.
4) Eat Well
A healthy diet can help you avoid foods that tend to cause inflammation in the body. Having a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory foods can be especially beneficial. You should aim to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Dark and leafy greens are a great choice. You can add more spinach, broccoli, and kale to your plate. As far as fruits go, make sure to load up on cherries, blackberries, and strawberries. These all contain potent antioxidants that can help aid in reducing inflammation. You could even toss some onions into your meals to get some extra antioxidants.
Since food is such an essential part of an inflammation-free life, some more should be said about it. Two fish that are able to reduce inflammatory proteins within your body are salmon and tuna. This makes them a great addition to your weekly meal plan. You should also have a diet that is filled with fiber-rich foods. These can minimize inflammation within your body as well. Great ways to get more fiber into your diet include eating beans. These have lots of antioxidants, along with essential minerals.
There are also foods you will want to avoid. These include processed foods, due to them containing a significant quantity of unhealthy fats that cause inflammation. Also, watch out for packaged foods that have high amounts of sodium. As a general rule, the fresher food is, the healthier it is for you, while also helping reduce the amount of joint pain you experience.
5) Stay Hydrated
Remember to take frequent water breaks. You will want to combat a reduction in blood flow to the kidneys and elsewhere. It becomes easier to become dehydrated during the summer, due to how hot it gets and how much you sweat. Staying hydrated will also help you avoid getting muscle cramps and heatstroke.
6) Take a Joint Supplement
A joint supplement can provide you with powerful and effective relief very quickly. One of the most popular joint supplements on the market today is JointFuel360. This potent and natural supplement has been specially formulated to provide as much joint pain relief as possible. There is a powerful anti-inflammatory called turmeric, which will reduce the flare-ups you get during the summer months. The added black pepper extract works in tandem with turmeric, to provide an even more effective reduction in inflammation and pain. Other ingredients, such as resveratrol, provide essential antioxidants that can further reduce soreness in your joints. There is also hyaluronic acid, which can lubricate the joints.
Wrapping Up
Summer and arthritis share a mutual connection. People who have arthritis will notice that their joint pain will become worse when it’s hot and humid outside. Yes, sufferers of arthritis are usually very sensitive to cold weather. However, when the weather goes the opposite extreme, it can pose issues as well. Anyone suffering from chronic pain can attest to it becoming worse when it is miserably hot outside. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take that will reduce the joint soreness and chronic pain you experience. If you follow the advice we laid out in this article, you can look forward to enjoying the summer without all the pain you may have been used to before.
