Your knees get involved in almost all actions in your daily life. Your legs are supported by knees. You can't stand, walk or run if your knees are weak.
How to strengthen them? With age, your knees will start giving up. And if you smoke or drink, your knee health deteriorates sooner.
If you sit throughout the day, or eat lots of salt or injure yourself at the knee or seldom eat knee- healthy foods, your middle age might become old age. So, here are some ways to keep your knees strong...
Exercise
Exercise can strengthen bones and muscles. Even your knees have bones in them and muscles around them. Exercise can strengthen both. It also helps in proper alignment of the joint. Knee bends, squats (with single leg), lunges and step ups are some examples of workouts that keep your knees happy. If your knees are already painful, don't do such workouts. Consult a doctor.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt contains magnesium. Those who suffer from arthritis or osteoporosis generally suffer low magnesium levels. So, epsom salt is a good idea. It can reduce inflammation too. Fill a cup half with lukewarm water and mix 2 tablespoons of epsom salt in it. Dip a cloth in it and place it on your knees. After 15 minutes, remove it. Do it twice a week.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body in calcium absorption. Therefore, you can't ignore this vitamin. It is a good idea to let your knees take some sunlight early in the morning. But take precautions to avoid UV exposure. Also, eat fish and egg yolks to get the same vitamin through food.
Massage
Even a massage can do good to the knee. Massage promotes circulation.
Your knee gets more blood which means more nutrients and oxygen. You can use olive oil or coconut oil. Just warm it up a bit before use. Gently massage in circular movements (clockwise).
Calcium
Bones are made of calcium. Calcium deficiency makes bones weak. Milk, cheese, almonds and leafy greens are good sources.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Weight increases pressure on your knees and joints. Maintain healthy weight so that your knees are never overburdened while carrying you.
Swimming
Even swimming is said to reduce stiffness of the knees. It also strengthens the muscles placed around your knees and joints.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Inflammation can kill your knees. Eat anti-inflammatory foods to reduce pain and inflammation in the knees. Spinach, salmon, flaxseed and walnuts are some examples.