If you are unlucky enough to have been diagnosed recently with rheumatoid arthritis then you may well believe that you have just been sentenced to a lifetime of discomfort and pain. However, the truth is that a lot of people are able to live long and very full lives, despite their rheumatoid arthritis. But, if you really want to thrive in spite of your diagnosis, then the chances are that you are going to have to think carefully about your lifestyle. Of course, adopting a healthy lifestyle is recommended for everyone, but it is especially important if you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

One very important thing which you need to do is to learn to react to your body. You will need, for example, to recognize when you feel joint stiffness and to make a note exactly when you feel joint discomfort. You will also have to learn to test yourself and to set yourself limits. If you pay attention to how your body responds to a range of different physical activities then you will find that you can quite easily avoid overexertion.

If you are to keep your body healthy and free from pain then you will also need to do some sort of regular physical activity. You will need to start thinking of exercise as vital part of your overall treatment. Taking regular exercise will also help you to strengthen your muscles, increase your flexibility, reduce tiredness and produce an overall feeling of well being. Do not be frightened of exercise or of trying out new physical activities simply because you have rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, you will be fine provided you learn how to read the messages your body Is sending you and avoid overexertion.

There are 3 main forms of exercises which are particularly suited to people with rheumatoid arthritis and these are cardio or aerobic exercises, flexibility exercises and strengthening exercises. Pilates and Yoga are both good examples of exercises which can gently but greatly increase your range of movement. Walking, running and cycling are excellent examples of aerobic exercises which are not only good for your heart but also for your overall joint health. Water exercises are especially good for people with rheumatoid arthritis because they both increase your flexibility and strength.

Before starting any exercise program you must make sure that you speak to your doctor who may well be able to recommend specific exercises which will help to alleviate your particular symptoms. Your doctor might also be in a position to refer you to a physical therapist who can put together an exercise plan for you.

One other extremely important aspect of taking care of yourself is ensuring that you are eating well. Eating well will not only help you get the right nutrients, but it will also help you to maintain a healthy weight which is very important when it comes to good joint health. Make sure that you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as lean proteins and low fat dairy products are also important for maintaining bone integrity. You must also make certain that you are taking in enough of the right nutrients, including specifically enough vitamin c and calcium. If you think that you might not be getting enough of these nutrients then drop by your doctor’s office and discuss whether not it would be to your advantage to take specific supplements.