- Processed foods
- Fried foods
- Oils high in Omega-6 fatty acids or saturated fats
- Sugar and refined carbohydrates
If you want to keep your joints healthy and pain-free, then it’s crucial to make changes to your diet. The food you eat has a significant impact on your wellbeing, and consuming healthy foods can help prevent joint pain and inflammation.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top foods that can help maintain healthy joints and reduce joint pain.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are an excellent source of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in your joints and connective tissues. Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are great options to include in your diet.
Coldwater Fish
Coldwater fish, such as halibut, tuna, salmon, and trout, are another great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. If you don’t eat fish, then you can also consider taking a daily fish oil supplement.
Fruits
Many fruits contain powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body and help relieve joint pain. Blueberries are particularly effective due to their strong flavonoids, which can turn off the inflammatory response in your body.
Pineapple is also a great option, as it contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can relieve joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Tomatoes are another great option, as they contain the antioxidant lycopene, which can provide improvements for joint health.
Cruciferous Veggies
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and minerals that help reduce swelling in the joints by blocking enzymes. These veggies also provide a great dose of fiber, which is essential for overall health.
Beans and Lentils
Pinto beans, chickpeas, black beans, soybeans, and lentils are all great sources of anthocyanins, a flavonoid that helps reduce inflammation in your body. These foods also provide a great source of essential minerals, fiber, and protein.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent substitute for salad dressings or cooking oil. Unlike oils like peanut, vegetable, or sunflower, which can increase inflammation levels, olive oil is packed with healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great option for reducing inflammation and promoting joint health.
Whole Grains
While refined grains can trigger the body’s inflammatory response, whole grains like whole oats, rye, barley, and whole wheat can help counteract it. These grains are recommended for reducing inflammation and joint pain.
Root Veggies and Garlic
Aromatic root vegetables like onions, garlic, turmeric, and ginger are all known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These vegetables can help treat joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis. They can be added to meals for additional flavor while boosting joint health.
Inflammatory Foods to Avoid
In addition to knowing which foods to add to your diet for healthier joints, it’s also essential to know what to avoid. Certain foods can increase inflammation in your body and joint pain. Inflammatory foods to limit or avoid include:
Patient-Specific Treatment from Valley Orthopaedic Specialists
Valley Orthopaedic Specialists offers patient-specific treatment options to improve joint health. While maintaining a healthy diet can help, it’s still possible to experience joint injuries.
To find out more about common issues causing pain and available treatments, use our treatment area locator. If you want to learn about our care options and schedule an appointment with a specialist, please contact us today.