Much of our quality of life depends on mobility,  strength and flexibility of the joints and muscles.  Surprisingly, the functioning of the digestive system also impacts significantly on joint wellbeing.

When our metabolism is out of balance it can often show up in our muscles and joints. Bodyweight is one of the most effective modifiable risk factors for joint health.

Here are some to-follow tips for maintaining healthy joints;

1. Gentle massage with herbal-medicated warm oil over the muscles and joints aid in nourishment and reduces the effects of vata on the joints thus helping to improve flexibility, especially during winters.
2. Add herbal spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, garlic and ginger to the cooking as they can be a great help in ama-digesting with their alkalising and anti-inflammatory properties. 
3. Simple physical exercise involving joint rotations followed by a 15-minute active walk improves oxygen-rich blood circulation and prana to circulate around the joints.
4. The Ayurvedic combinations like Triphala, Shudh Guggulu, Dhanwantaram tailam etc have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory impacts all through the body and furthermore also help in nourishing the gut health.
5. Diet rich in fruit and vegetable sources of vitamin C and exercise are key to successful muscle and joint health starting in young adult years and continuing throughout ageing. 

Discomfort & pain in joints can be the worst nightmare or an undesirable guest during crisp winters, cold and foggy weather or old age. The combination of a healthy and nutritious, energy balanced diet, along with exercise and Ayurveda herbs, can help maintain healthy joints.