What Makes Your Arthritis Worse?

Arthritis flares are stressful and unpredictable. Though everyone’s triggers are different, managing lifestyle factors is key, as certain habits are known for making symptoms worse.

Are any of these behind your flare ups?

Poor food choices

Foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and simple carbohydrates can cause weight gain and inflammation.

You can help manage inflammation with progesterone and reduce flare-ups by cutting back on fried and sugary foods.

A diet focusing on lean protein and plenty of fruit and vegetables is one of your best tools for fighting inflammation and feeling your best.

Not enough rest

Exhaustion and stress are common flare triggers. To manage them, maintain a steady sleep routine and as night sweats and bathroom visits can all disturb your sleep get those under control too.

Creating a distraction-free environment by keeping your bedroom cool and putting away devices like phones or tablets can significantly boost your sleep quality.

Lifestyle habits

To keep your any arthritis treatment on track, it’s best to avoid smoking and limit alcohol, both of which are common flare triggers.

Be mindful of the sun as well; prevent skin damage by using sunscreen and staying out of direct light during the hottest part of the day.

Taking your medication

Staying consistent with your doses helps keep your symptoms under control. If you have any questions or find the schedule difficult to follow, ask your doctor for help if you need to adjust the medication or dosage.

Triggers that can make flare-ups worse

When you’re stressed, your body releases chemicals that worsen inflammation and trigger flares.

Stress also takes a toll on your hormones, often making symptoms harder to manage.

You can support your system and find balance by using Serenity or the oestrogen-progesterone blend in Twenty to One.

You can regain more control by balancing your emotional health with simple habits like yoga and exercise, or even talking to someone, can significantly reduce your risk of a flare-up.

Weight gain

Managing weight is one of the biggest challenges during menopause, but it’s vital for your health and comfort.

Carrying extra pounds puts unnecessary strain on your joints and may prevent your medication from working well..

Aim for gentle, joint-friendly movement such as t’ai chi, swimming or cycling and alongside healthy eating to stay mobile.

Sun exposure

When your skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet light from the sun or a tanning booth, it can burn.

Some exposure can benefit arthritis by relieving joint pain and increasing vitamin D. However, it poses significant risks due to any medication related Photosensitivity.

If this is the case for you, it can cause severe sunburn and if you are on any medication like methotrexate or naproxen then you must use high SPF sunblock and limit exposure, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4pm.

Smoking

Research shows that quitting smoking can actually help your arthritis treatments work better and lower your daily pain levels.

Since smoking often leads to more frequent flare-ups, stopping is a powerful way to care for your body and your doctor can help you with that.

Alcohol

Regular consumption can interfere with medication and trigger flare-ups. Beyond your joints, alcohol can weaken the immune system and impact vital organs like the heart, liver, and pancreas.

There are excellent low and no alcohol drinks from spirits to wine and beer, so that could be a way to reduce your consumption.

Try swapping out one of your regular drinks for one of those as that can make a real difference.

Helpful information

Inflammation is at the root of arthritis, and so tackling that is an essential first step.

Progesterone is known to be an effective anti-inflammatory so your hormone balance is also very important when dealing not just with your hormonal symptoms.

As stress plays such an important part in dealing with arthritis, you may also find this specific diet to be helpful.

Can Your Diet Can Help Relieve Stress?