Tart cherries and exercise help combat inflammation pain

(NC)-Spring is in the air. With the days being longer and the weather warmer, there are more opportunities to get outdoors for some exercise. Inflammation sufferers can feel limited in their options for physical activities as joint pain becomes unbearable. By making a few small, daily lifestyle adjustments, you will not only help your joints feel better, but also allow yourself to enjoy the fresh spring weather.

Diet diligence. Practicing a healthy and balanced lifestyle can contribute to less pain. When routinely consumed, dried tart cherries and cherry juice concentrate can help soothe symptoms from inflammatory diseases. Studies show that tart cherries can help manage and prevent diseases that result from inflammation such as arthritis, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Cherries are easy to incorporate into your diet, too. Simply add dried tart cherries to your salad, cereal or substitute in any recipe that calls for raisins or other dried fruit.

Stress less. Relaxing can help reduce inflamed joint pain. Leave work at work and try making a plan to organize any of your personal or professional affairs. By reducing hassles, you can set your mind at ease.

Sleep easy. Get a little shut eye. Pain from inflammation can cause sufferers to become insomniacs. Several studies show that melatonin in tart cherries can help regulate sleep patterns. Trade in your sleeping medicines for a handful of tart cherries a half hour before you head to bed.

Energy conservation. While it's important to keep busy and stay active, don't over exert your joints - try to enjoy a little down time to yourself or with friends and family. Find a middle ground where you are getting enough exercise rather than too much or too little.

Spring into action. Just sitting around may seem like an easy way to relax but it is better to get up a move around to work out your joints. Set a schedule to participate in more daily activities like walking. Try getting off one stop early if you travel by bus and walk the rest of the way. Keep your goals measurable to make sure you can meet them.

Information on this topic along with recipe ideas can be found online at www.choosecherries.com.

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(04-2008)

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