There are several reasons for joint pain. These include injury, overuse, and medical conditions such as arthritis. If you do have arthritis, you may want to look into the best diet and foods to treat joint pain to help you find relief. However, there are different forms of arthritis, and the best diet and foods to treat joint pain will vary depending on the type. Let's take a look.
Types Of Joint Pain And Foods To Treat Them:
1. Rheumatoid or Inflammatory Arthritis And Diet Tips
There aren't any specific nutritional guidelines for people with inflammatory forms of arthritis. However, if the body has sufficient phytochemicals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, the body is more likely to develop anti-inflammatory capabilities as well. Studies have shown that those who consumed the Mediterranean diet (beans, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and fish), saw a decrease in pain, stiffness, and disease activity, while their physical functions improved. This was particularly true for those consuming cold water fish, and foods with high oleocanthal elements (extra virgin olive oil). In fact, the latter works as effectively as ibuprofen. Going vegetarian was also shown to have a positive effect on those with inflammatory arthritis. Other important elements of the best diet and foods to treat joint pain that have been scientifically proven to be beneficial include green tea, and high levels of fiber (quinoa, barley, beans, wild rice, brown rice, and oatmeal).
2. Osteoarthritis And Diet Tips
Osteoarthritis is often caused by excess weight, which can be prevented through a healthy, balanced diet. One study that intervened with osteoarthritis patients being provided with a 100% plant based diet showed that their physical function was greatly improved and pain was reduced. Additionally, one study highlighted the importance of drinking milk. Another study showed that large amounts of cheese made osteoarthritis worse. It has also been determined that sulforaphane, found in broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, also slows down the progression of osteoarthritis. Alium foods, such as leeks, onions, and garlic, have also been found to be beneficial for early osteoarthritis. It is believed that this is due to the diallyl disulphine contained within these foods.
3. Gout And Diet Tips
Gout is very clearly linked to diet. This is because uric acid is created when purine is broken down. The condition is a result of an excess of purine crystals. A 2012 study showed that consuming the Mediterranean diet greatly improved the symptoms of gout. Eating cherries is also beneficial, believed to be because of the anti-inflammatory anthocyanins found within, also found in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Coffee and low fat dairy also lower uric acid, whereas tea does not. Managing gout is often down to avoiding food high in purine, including lamb, pork, beef, shellfish, and fish.
4. Osteoporosis And Diet Tips
Bone health can be protected by eating foods high in calcium, such as green leafy vegetables, low fat dairy products, fortified foods, and shellfish. Do make sure that your levels of vitamin D are good as well. Otherwise, the calcium cannot be converted and used in the body. Again, the Mediterranean diet is very good for the prevention of osteoporosis, or in slowing down its progression.