Fighting arthritis

1 out of every 5 people suffer from arthritis in some form, and that number is so high (it works out to 46 million Americans) in part because the term "arthritis" technically includes any number of diseases and conditions that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation of joints and other body parts. When it comes to reducing your arthritis symptoms treating the inflammation is key, as that's what really causes much of the discomfort and swelling. As many as half of Americans have given up on trying to beat the pain and have resigned themselves to living with it miserably, but there are things you can do to minimize symptoms that have good results for most people:

• Exercise and lose weight. Less weight equals less stress on joints.
• Adjust your diet to include plenty of veggies, fruits, and whole grains. Limit sugar, fat, and salt.
• Get enough rest. Joints will be at their best when you've got a good daily balance between rest and exercise.
• Be wary of medications. While some can be very helpful, others only mask symptoms and don't attack the true root of the problem, the inflammation.
• Try taking some natural anti-inflammatory supplements, after speaking with your doctor of course.