Osteoarthritis affects millions of men and women around the world and it is a condition that usually occurs in joints like the knees and hips. Although there are many different treatments and medications available for OA, following the right diet can make a huge difference.
Food can help in a number of ways, including the fact that they help to reduce inflammation. Free radicals are damaging molecules that can be formed in the body, and this needs to be reduced as they can cause damage to all kinds of tissue. The cushion that exists between the knee’s joints are prone to free radical damage, just like the skin, bones, and other body tissue.
Antioxidants help to protect the body against free radicals, and this may also help to prevent arthritis, or slow its progression. Having a healthy body weight is just as crucial as eating healthy when it comes to reducing damage in the joints. Additional fat is the body is metabolically active and can produce hormones and chemicals that increase the levels of inflammation in the body. Try to eat healthy at home rather than going out for dinner; also eat smaller portions and don’t buy high-calorie foods.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is necessary for cartilage development. A lack of vitamin C can lead to a weaker cartilage system and also increase the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include orangs, papaya, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, raspberries and leafy veggies like cauliflower and broccoli.
Vitamin D
Some studies show that vitamin D can be beneficial for people with arthritis but further studies are being conducted to substantiate this claim. Vitamin D has many other benefits though, so it’s a healthy option to consume this vitamin in moderation. Some foods that are rich in vitamin D include eggs, fortified milk, shrimp and salmon. Look for vitamin D and calcium fortified foods like breakfast cereals, yoghurt and orange juice.
Beta-Carotene
Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps to destroy free radicals in the body. It is easy to identify a s this is what gives fruits and vegetables their color; foods include carrots, tomatoes, oranges, sweet potatoes, winter squash and asparagus.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This is by far the healthiest fat for people with arthritis. Omega-3 acids work to decrease inflammation by suppressing the production of cytokines and enzymes that breakdown cartilage. Foods that are high in omega-3 acids include sardines, walnuts, flaxseed, anchovies, herring and mackerel.
Other Foods
Bioflavonoids are also antioxidants that can reduce the effects of osteoarthritis. They may be similar in effect to anti-inflammatory medications and good food sources include broccoli, blueberries, cocoa powder and green tea. It is clear that one of the best ways in which you can reduce the effects of osteoarthritis is to follow a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. Keeping symptoms at bay will allow you to enjoy a better quality of life and reap the rewards of a healthy lifestyle.
About the author:
HealthLine.com is a popular resource that offers expert health advice from qualified professionals and experienced contributors. Find out more about osteoarthritis on Healthline.com.
Food can help in a number of ways, including the fact that they help to reduce inflammation. Free radicals are damaging molecules that can be formed in the body, and this needs to be reduced as they can cause damage to all kinds of tissue. The cushion that exists between the knee’s joints are prone to free radical damage, just like the skin, bones, and other body tissue.
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Antioxidants help to protect the body against free radicals, and this may also help to prevent arthritis, or slow its progression. Having a healthy body weight is just as crucial as eating healthy when it comes to reducing damage in the joints. Additional fat is the body is metabolically active and can produce hormones and chemicals that increase the levels of inflammation in the body. Try to eat healthy at home rather than going out for dinner; also eat smaller portions and don’t buy high-calorie foods.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is necessary for cartilage development. A lack of vitamin C can lead to a weaker cartilage system and also increase the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include orangs, papaya, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, raspberries and leafy veggies like cauliflower and broccoli.
Vitamin D
Some studies show that vitamin D can be beneficial for people with arthritis but further studies are being conducted to substantiate this claim. Vitamin D has many other benefits though, so it’s a healthy option to consume this vitamin in moderation. Some foods that are rich in vitamin D include eggs, fortified milk, shrimp and salmon. Look for vitamin D and calcium fortified foods like breakfast cereals, yoghurt and orange juice.
Beta-Carotene
Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps to destroy free radicals in the body. It is easy to identify a s this is what gives fruits and vegetables their color; foods include carrots, tomatoes, oranges, sweet potatoes, winter squash and asparagus.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
This is by far the healthiest fat for people with arthritis. Omega-3 acids work to decrease inflammation by suppressing the production of cytokines and enzymes that breakdown cartilage. Foods that are high in omega-3 acids include sardines, walnuts, flaxseed, anchovies, herring and mackerel.
Other Foods
Bioflavonoids are also antioxidants that can reduce the effects of osteoarthritis. They may be similar in effect to anti-inflammatory medications and good food sources include broccoli, blueberries, cocoa powder and green tea. It is clear that one of the best ways in which you can reduce the effects of osteoarthritis is to follow a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. Keeping symptoms at bay will allow you to enjoy a better quality of life and reap the rewards of a healthy lifestyle.
About the author:
HealthLine.com is a popular resource that offers expert health advice from qualified professionals and experienced contributors. Find out more about osteoarthritis on Healthline.com.