Overcoming Arthritis through better lifestyle and health management

By Sandy Sher

Okay I know what you are thinking, arthritis is for old people right? Well I was diagnosed with arthritis when I was 24 years old but had been experiencing the arthritic type symptoms since I was around 21. The type of arthritis I have is called Ankylosing Spondylitis- quite a mouthful. It is actually a young arthritic and autoimmune condition which can develop in the teenage years and early 20s.

I studied an Exercise Science degree and always believed that I would find a cure in Western Medicine. I have probably been on multiple and different medication for around 10 years. The condition can be quite debilitating not only from the pain but also due to the stiffness symptoms in the back, neck, joint and can even affect the eyes. For me it was quite confronting as I had always been such an active person.

This condition like so many others is set off due to a bacterial infection in the body (with the presence of the gene HLA-B27). For further information on this condition please go to www.arthritisaustralia.com.au

So over the last few years I have set out to cure myself through a more natural process. Yes I am still taking Western Medicine to keep my symptoms under control but I have been able to reduce the frequency of taking these drugs with the hope to be medication free in the near future.

Some of strategies I have used and recommend are:

• Eating unprocessed food from an organic or pesticide/hormone free sources
• Taking probiotics on a daily basis
• Being sufficiently hydrated
• Exercising regularly and keeping active generally
• Cutting out grains and sugars out of the diet
• Regularly detoxifying the body
• Improving your body ph balance to be more alkaline than acid

Sandy Sher from Live 2 Be Well has contributed an article on her own struggle overcoming Arthrisis. Sandy Sher is an accredited exercise physiologist who prescribes tailored exercise programs and wellbeing advice for general health and fitness, health conditions and injuries. For more information about the services that Sandy can offer please see her website www.live2bewell.com.au