If you want to decrease arthritis low impact excercise and weight reduction are  key. A new survey found that Canadians have less arthritis and less arthritis-related disability than Americans. Researchers say the higher proportion of obesity and inactivity in America accounts for the difference.

These results were published in the March issue of Arthritis Care & Research. The data originated from the Joint Canada/United States Survey of Health, and revealed that the rates for arthritis for Americans are about 2 percent higher than Canadians.

Here’s how the numbers play out;

19 percent of Americans reported having arthritis.
17 percent of Canadians reported having arthritis.

9 percent of Americans reported that arthritis limited their daily activities.
7 percent of Canadians reported that arthritis limited their daily activities.

14 percent of Americans who reported having arthritis were also obese.
13 percent of Canadians who reported having arthritis were also obese.

20 percent of Americans who reported being disabled by arthritis were also obese.
17 percent of Canadians who reported being disabled by arthritis were also obese.

The biggest difference between the two countries had to do with physical inactivity. Americans with arthritis were nearly three times as likely to report not getting any exercise as Canadians with arthritis. The Canadian and American men were about the same. The large difference was seen between the women. American women tend to be more obese and more physically inactive than Canadian women.

This study is no surprise, given that obesity is a known risk factor associated with arthritis. The good news is that, unlike genetics, obesity can be changed. To lower weight and issues with arthritis low impact excercise is one such way to make that change. People with arthritis might be hesitant to begin an exercise program. However, there is a strong body of literature that backs the benefits of exercise for those with arthritis and most experts state that people with arthritis can and still exercise. Low impact aerobic exercise like swimming, yoga, pilates and tai chi are excellent exercises. Walking is a perfect exercise if knees are not a problem. Speak with your doctor about which exercises are best for you.

New research demonstrates that thyme oil might assist combat inflammation, a course of action thought to participate in a role in the creation of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetic issues, arthritis, as well as a host of additional health problems. In a recently published study, scientists discovered that compounds in thyme oil may restrain COX-2, an enzyme known to promote inflammation.

In laboratory assessments, researchers discovered that a number of essential natural oils (including rose and eucalyptus) oil lessened COX-2 expression in cells by at least 25%. But thyme oil proved actually more effective, reducing COX-2 levels by nearly 75 %.

Utilized in aromatherapy as well as various other forms of alternative medicine, essential oils are potent ingredients extracted from a plant’s blooms, leaves, stems, buds, branches, or even roots. Although its health benefits have yet to be substantially researched, thyme essential oil has long been used to care for illnesses such as cough, bronchitis, and indigestion in natural medicine.

Recently a woman emailed in with the question; “Is Yoga bad for arthritis?” She had problems with arthritis in her back and did not know if yoga would help or hurt. Yoga helps strengthen joints and is an excellent, low impact exercise for arthritis. Many local YMCAs offer yoga or pilates classes and most of these facilities allow guests for a small fee. Your local library might have yoga VCR or DVDs.

If you have a stiff achy back, try the yoga pose Sage Twist (Marichyasana). To do this,  sit upright with your legs straight in front of you. Then with your left foot on the floor, bend your left knee. Turn your upper body to the left and then pull your right elbow towards the outside of your left knee. Take deep breaths, holding  for 30 seconds while doing so. Alternate legs and repeat. This exercise is meant to relieve the strain in the back by stretching out the spine and opening up the chest to allow the intake of oxygen.

Here’s a quick, easy and free way to soothe sore muscles with a muscle warmer – pain relief for aching muscles is as close as your microwave. Take a clean hand towel and spray it with water until slightly damp.  Fold the towel and put it in the microwave on high for one minute. Make sure the towel isn’t too hot for the skin, then place it on your aching muscle.

The incredible, amazing lemon may help with wrist arthritis, knee arthritis, or arthritis in any joint. Lemon is a popular fruit when it comes to therapeutic properties. We never fail to start our mornings with lemon juice in warm water the first thing to hit our stomachs.

All fruits are cleansing, but lemons in particular, help flush toxins out of your system. This is especially important for people with wrist arthritis, knee arthritis, or arthritis in any joint. It also is important for people suffering from cancer as it cleanses toxins from the liver and kidneys taking a load off the immune system.

Other than being an amazing detoxifier, lemon water also has the following health benefits.

• Lemon water is an alkalizer and helps the body balance pH.
• Lemon water gives relief from cold and flu symptoms.
• Lemon water cleanses and stimulates the kidneys and liver.
• Lemon water has a high Vitamin C content so it helps prevent infection and hastens wound healing.
• Lemon water has excellent digestive properties and can ease digestion problems like heartburn and bloating.
• Lemon water promotes a strong immune system and also acts as a blood purifier.

Kick your lemon water up to the next level with this healthful, quick and easy health drink to combat arthritis pain.

Lemon MSM Health Drink
1 to 2 teaspoons MSM
½ to 1 teaspoon Vitamin C
Juice of half a lemon
1/8 teaspoon sea salt.

Combine all the ingredients in a glass. Add filtered or distilled water and stir well.