Your father may be suffering from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is known as a “wear & tear” problem, mostly affects the cartilage where the surface layer of cartilage breakdown and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.

For this condition, glucosamine supplementation is highly recommended. Glucosamine stimulates the production of both proteoglycans and collagen, normalises cartilage metabolism which helps keep cartilage from breaking down, helps the body to repair damaged cartilage and slows the progression of joint deterioration. A 500mg glucosamine sulphate formula that is sodium-free is suitable for individuals with high blood pressure.

Apart from that, omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids are also beneficial. Besides suppressing inflammation, it can also help lower high blood pressure. Consider one that provides a 4:1 ratio of evening primrose oil (omega-6) to marine fish oil (omega-3) as it is the optimum ratio that our bodies can use.

Most osteoarthritis sufferers benefit from exercise especially when their pain is least severe. Always start with adequate warming up and begin exercising slowly. Dietary wise, reduce the consumption of meat, fast food and soft drinks. A high consumption of these foods may lead to spur formation around the joints and cause inflammation.

Osteoporosis is a silent bone disease that often develops unnoticed as there are no symptoms or discomfort and one might not know about it until a fracture occurs. This disease simply indicates that your bones are becoming fragile and more likely to break. If left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone (especially hip, spine and wrist) breaks, which often occurs as a result of a fall.

Aging is the prime reason responsible for osteoporosis. Bones gradually lose their density as a natural part of aging which simply means that the older we are, the lower our total bone mass. Poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol use have been linked to osteoporosis. A low calcium diet and too much caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea and some sodas) can cause bone loss. Besides that, those having a small frame and bone structure are at a disadvantage because it increases the chance of getting osteoporosis.

As for your condition, you should include higher amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. The body needs calcium to build strong bones and to create a supply of calcium reserves. For those with osteoporosis, increasing intake of calcium and vitamin D can decrease the risk of fracture. Dairy products including milk, yoghurt and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. Vitamin D, magnesium and zinc are equally important as they enhance calcium absorption.

If you are not exercising regularly, you might want to start from now because exercise can help minimize bone loss while providing many additional benefits.

Gout is a common type of arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid builds in the blood, tissue and urine. Uric acid is a by-product formed from the breakdown of purine. When the level of uric acid becomes high, needle-like crystals may form and accumulate, causing irritation in the joint lining and severe joint inflammation. Affected joints usually swell and may look red and inflamed.

Individuals suffering from gout are advised to avoid purine-rich foods such as organ meats, shellfish, peas and lentils as well as alcohol. These foods may increase uric acid levels and precipitate an attack in those with existing gout.  Opt for complex carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, pasta, rice as well as all vegetables and fruits. Drink 2 to 3 litre of fluids (8-12 cups) daily. Adequate fluid intake promotes the solubility and excretion of uric acid.

Traditional herb such as celery seeds may help relieve gout. Celery seeds exert diuretic effect that help flush out uric acids from the body. On the other hand, omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids found in fish oil and evening primrose oil (in 4:1 ratio) may also help to reduce stiffness and tenderness of the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects synovium, the lining of the joints. It is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system produces antibodies that attack its own tissues. Some individuals with RA do experience flare-ups after eating certain foods especially dairy products, tomatoes, eggs and nuts. Hence, it is advisable that she keeps a food diary and if her condition worsens after eating a particular food, it is best to avoid it. The same goes for foods that improve RA such as fiber and fish. Try to eat them more regularly.

Oily fish and fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid derivatives specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds. Evening primrose oil is another valuable supplement as it contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid derivative which is associated with beneficial anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Clinical studies revealed that a combination of fish oil and evening primrose oil significantly reduced morning stiffness and swollen joints which led to improvements in RA.

It is important to understand that although home remedies such as cold packs, rest and elevation may make your mother feel somewhat better, these will not prevent the progressive destruction of her joints. Thus, apart from prescribed medications, it is advisable to supplement her diet with fish oil and evening primrose oil. A 4:1 ratio of fish oil and evening primrose oil is the optimum ratio that our bodies can use.