When winter comes, along with the cold, many people start to feel the joints of the knees, wrists or back become more painful, stiff and painful than usual. According toorthopedic specialists, polluted air, especially during the foggy months, can be one of the culprits for increased joint pain.
Air pollution makes inflammatory joints worse
PM2.5 fine dust particles and toxic gases such as nayogenoxide and sulfur-dioxide when inhaled will enter the bloodstream, weakening the immune system and triggering an inflammatory response around joint tissue, says Dr Simon Thomas, a robotics and joint replacement surgeon.
In people who already have arthritis, the over-inflammatory reaction can easily cause hot, swollen joints and stiff pain. Even people who have never had joint disease may find joints uncomfortable when the level of pollution increases.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Pollution showed that long-term exposure to polluted air reduces the amount of activated discharge and natural oils. This makes joints dry, stiff, and painful. In addition to cold, humid weather, symptoms become even more obvious.
Joint care in the polluted season: starting with small habits
According to experts, we cannot control the weather or outdoor air, but we can proactively protect joint health in the family with the following small changes:
Limit outdoor peak pollution: Early morning and late evening are the time when fine dust levels increase the most. Stay indoors or wear a dusty mask when you are forced to move.
household air leakage: Use an air purifier or plant additional trees to reduce dust and toxic gas. The plant of the snake plant, the betel, the yia... helps purify the living space effectively.
Drink enough water: Drinking at least 2 liters of water per day helps lubricate joints and eliminate toxins from the body.
Eat anti-inflammatory: Increase fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts to supplement omega-3. Eating lots of green vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C helps increase resistance and protect cartilage tissue. Limit fried foods, refined starches, coffee and beer.
Gentle exercise: On polluted days, you can replace outdoor activities with yoga, stretching or doing small indoor dumbbells. Regular exercise helps flexible joints and increases blood circulation.
Keep warm and relax your joints: Warm your evening Supplements, take a warm bath or soak your feet in Epsom salt to help relieve pain and relax your muscles. Getting enough sleep also helps reduce inflammation and naturally repair joints.
