Did you know the foods you eat on a regular basis can influence your joint health? Here are 7 foods you should consider adding to your diet if you have joint pain that is keeping you from doing the things you want to do and negatively impacting your quality of life:
- Watermelon: A powerful antioxidant called lycopene present in watermelon has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint pain and inflammation. This fruit also contains the carotenoid, beta-cryptoxanthin, which reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, sprouts, and broccoli are good examples of vegetables that contain antioxidants that protect against cell damage and help reduce joint pain. They also contain plenty of vitamins, nutrients, and fiber that improve overall health.
- Blueberries: Studies have shown that blueberries contain anthocyanin, a flavonoid that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness in individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
- Fatty Fish: Results of several studies show that fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel can reduce arthritis symptoms by blocking the action of certain enzymes that cause inflammation. Try to have 2-5 servings per week.
- Pineapple: This fruit contains a protein-digesting enzyme known as bromelain, which has been shown to be able to reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
- Avocados: They are a good source of vitamin E which helps reduce joint damage and pain that is seen in patients with early osteoarthritis.
- Whole Grain Foods: High-fiber whole grain foods such as oatmeal, wholegrain cereals, and brown rice are known to lower the levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, which is a marker for inflammation.
Eating a well-balanced diet that contains as many of the foods listed above as possible, if not all, will help strengthen your bones, fight inflammation, and ease your joint pain symptoms.
At North Central Surgical Center, our mission is to treat each and every one of our patients, and their families, as if they were our own family member. Each patient, each family, each and every time.
