Exercise

For those with arthritis, exercise, no matter how little you do, is one of the best natural treatments. For those with severe arthritis, even the smallest amount of walking can make a difference. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for those with arthritis because it puts the least amount of impact on the joints. Strengthening exercises are also recommended to keep muscles and joints strong.

Acupuncture

One of the most common reasons people seek out acupuncture is for arthritis relief. Acupuncture can help relieve pain from arthritis and increase blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation. Through the specific placement of needles on acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture realigns the body back to balance.

Capsaicin Cream

Made from the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, Capsaicin cream has been known to relieve arthritis pain. The cream works by decreasing the body’s pain receptors and as a result, lessening the overall pain caused by arthritis. The cream can be bought without a prescription at your local drug store.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is beneficial for numerous reasons, one of them being its anti-inflammatory properties. Because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, trials have found that the oil can reduce morning stiffness and the need for pain medication for those with arthritis. Fish oil is a supplement that is safe and recommended to take every day for the most beneficial effects.

Mind-Body

Mind-body techniques like meditation, relaxation and tai chi have been seen to improve overall quality of life for those with arthritis. Tai Chi is a martial art that involves slow, easy movements along with deep breathing. This exercise can improve the body’s motion and physical fitness without being too demanding on the joints and muscles. Although meditation and relaxation do not necessarily reduce pain, they have been found to improve mood and health in arthritis patients dealing with chronic pain.

Diet

Studies have shown that some patients benefit from changes in their diet by eliminating food that may contribute to their arthritis pain. By removing allergens from the diet, overall inflammation can be reduced. Common diets that have been seen to be beneficial include a mediterranean diet rich in nuts, fish, vegetables, fruit and olive oil. Foods that are not recommended include red meat and dairy as those can cause inflammatory reactions.

Fish

Fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which work as a natural anti-inflammatory. Some of the best fish to consume include salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, which are all rich in omega-3s. The recommended weekly amount is around six to eight ounces of fish.

Oil

Healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado and safflower oils are packed with healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties.

Broccoli

Because it contains sulforaphane, broccoli has been shown to slow and prevent the progression of osteoarthritis. Broccoli is rich in vitamin K, C and calcium, which is known to help strengthen bones.

Green Tea

Green tea has many health benefits, one including reducing pain of arthritis. The tea is full of antioxidants that work to lower inflammation and the disintegration of cartilage.

Citrus Fruits

Fruits like oranges, limes and grapefruits are very acidic and full of vitamin C. Vitamin C can help aid healthy joints for those with arthritis and work as an anti-inflammatory.

Beans

Beans are beneficial for many reasons. They are a great alternative to meat for protein and are rich in folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium. Red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans are known to improve muscle health and the heart and immune system.

Having a natural and well-rounded diet is a part of any healthy lifestyle, but can be especially beneficial for arthritis and chronic pain.

A systematic review from the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health found that electroacupuncture could improve orientation, perception, praxis and attention with older patients with stroke. Another study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that patients who were given acupuncture treatment saw an increase in memory and decrease in anxiety when completing a given task to test working memory. A study published in the Public Library of Science concluded that acupuncture treatment for patients with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment can activate cognitive-related regions in the brain to help improve memory. If you or someone you know is suffering from memory loss, consider acupuncture as a safe, alternative treatment.

Don’t forget about physical exercise:

Believe it or not, when you’re exercising your body, you’re exercising your mind as well. Aerobic exercise gets your blood pumping, which increases the oxygen going to your brain and lowers your risk of disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease that can lead to memory loss. If you can, start with some exercise in the morning. This can clear your head right off the bat to stay focused and alert during the day. Exercises that require coordination are especially helpful for keeping the mind active such as simply throwing a ball back and forth.

Make sure you’re sleeping:

Sleep is one of the best ways to make sure your brain and memory are in tip-top shape on a daily basis. To get the most out of your sleep, aim for 7.5-9 hours every night. Make sure to shut off the electronics at least an hour before bed to help the mind shut off as well. Try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake earlier in the day. Both can result in a shallow sleep.

Keep your brain stimulated:

Research has shown that keeping mental stimulation as we age is very important for lowering the risk of dementia. Stay social, interact with others, learn new skills, play mind-exercise games like crossword puzzles or Sudoku. Interacting with others and continuing to learn is vital for keeping the brain healthy at any age.

Be aware of your stress:

Chronic stress can not only make someone miserable, but also cause serious long term effects. Stress over time has been shown to destroy brain cells and damage the area of the brain that creates new memories and recalls past ones. To avoid memory loss, minimize your stress. Don’t take on too many tasks if they overwhelm you, sometimes it is ok to say no. Make sure you have outlets to relieve stress whether it is physical exercise or talking with someone about your frustrations.

Don’t forget about your superfoods

Certain superfoods have shown to be significant in preventing memory loss. Make sure to get your fruit and vegetable servings in, many are filled with antioxidants that help protect your brain cells. Eat more foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna and foods cooked with olive oil. Green tea is another option that has powerful antioxidants to protect from brain damage.

Your memory is important at any age. Start incorporating these healthy habits to keep a strong memory for years to come.

May is known as Senior Citizens Month, a great time to reach out to your loved ones and check in on their health. As we age, our health needs change. It is especially important for seniors to take care of their health and do so in a way that is as natural as possible and does not require potentially harmful prescription drugs. Traditional Chinese Medicine and other alternative practices have been proven to help aid the aging process and chronic conditions that may come with it.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common treatment for chronic pain, which can be very beneficial for seniors. This centuries-old practice addresses the body as a whole by using specific acupuncture points to return the body back to its natural balance and relieve pain as well as other symptoms. Acupuncture treatment is non-invasive and is a great natural alternative to prescription medication.

Yoga

It can get harder to stay active as we age. We may find that our bodies just don’t move like they used to. Yoga has many health benefits and can be incorporated into your daily routine. Yoga has been proven to help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This practice can also help keep your joints healthy and reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy not only has physical health benefits but mental as well. This therapy can work to relieve pain, improve circulation and release tension. Massage is also an excellent stress reliever and can leave you feeling more relaxed and at ease.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a natural remedy that has been used for thousands of years. Aromatherapy involves breathing or applying essential oils to the body to help improve health. Different essential oils can have a large range of benefits. This therapy can help lower pain, increase a sense of well being and help improve sleep for patients with dementia.

Animal-assisted therapy

As we age, we sometimes need different kinds of support and companionship. Animals have been proven to help adults with dementia and decrease a sense of loneliness. Animals can also help promote physical activity, which can increase mood and overall health.

Music therapy

Music therapy has been proven to be beneficial for seniors. This non-invasive therapy can help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions. Calming music can also be helpful for adults with dementia and reduce behavioral symptoms.