My mother was crippled with osteoarthritis by the time she was 70, as was her mother before her. I would very much like to do all I can to stay active well into old age. What steps can I take now to prevent the onset of this disease? I'm 37.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints, caused by deterioration of the cartilage protecting the bone ends. The smooth surface becomes rough and pitted, causing friction, inflammation, stiffness and pain. The bones also become more brittle and prone to fracture. The load bearing joints such as the hips, knees and spine are commonly affected, as are the hands and knuckles. Nearly three times as many women develop osteoarthritis than men, and most people over 60yrs are affected by it.

The good news is there is plenty you can start doing to prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Being overweight can place excess strain on the joints so it is worth losing any extra pounds. Gentle load-bearing exercise such as walking and swimming also help to keep the joints healthy.

Diet-wise it is a good idea to avoid inflammatory, acid-forming foods such as meat, dairy, sugary and refined foods and stimulants. Some foods contain natural acids, such as oxalic acid in spinach and rhubarb, which can aggravate inflammatory conditions. Other triggers include oranges, plums and the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines) and are worth excluding to see if any improvement is noted.

Good foods to increase are green leafy vegetables which help to alkalise the system. Nettle tea is a natural anti-inflammatory and a good alternative to caffeine drinks. Adding turmeric and cayenne pepper to savoury dishes can also help reduce inflammation.

Useful supplements include Aloe Vera juice which helps to ease inflammatory conditions, and green superfoods such as barley-grass or wheat-grass which help to alkalise the body. The homeopathic remedy Rhus Tox, available from most good health-food shops, may help arthritic pain if worse on initial movement, and in cold, damp conditions.

Aloe Vera juice and Barley-grass and Wheat-grass powder are available from Xynergy Health Products www.xynergy.co.uk tel 08456 585858

Stella New RSHom is a registered homeopath and dietary therapist based in West Sussex. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments. Email stella@stellanew.co.uk