It is a sad fact – millions of people suffer from joint pain each and every day. Pain increases with age and can be caused by several factors. Some of those factors include sports injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or more serious conditions such as cancer.
Thankfully, there are foods that can help you avoid these issues – but there are also foods you should absolutely avoid. We’ll explain.
Inflammation can be a significant factor in determining the amount of joint pain that you experience. Foods, spices, and supplements that reduce inflammation, thereby reducing the amount of pain that you experience.
Most notably, fatty fish is excellent for managing joint pain. Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acid and can be found in natural food sources such as mackerel, wild salmon, trout and sardines.
Eat vegetables high in vitamins and fiber as these are usually packed with antioxidants. Make sure you’re consuming at least ½ cup per day of cruciferous vegetables such as arugula, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale or cauliflower.
Spices and herbs that contain anti-inflammatory properties can also be added to foods, smoothies or eggs. Studies have found both turmeric and ginger are beneficial for patients suffering from joint pain. Green tea also contains inflammation busting properties and has been shown to induce positive changes in immune responses related to arthritis.
Sugars and refined grains such as white rice, pasta and white bread are known to cause inflammation of the joints. Avoid these foods, as well as any meat from a four-legged animal.
Many processed foods contain corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, and vegetable oil. These are high in omega-6 fatty acid, which is an inflammatory agent. Check the items you purchase, especially including mayonnaise and salad dressings for these ingredients to make sure they don’t contain omega-6.
If you are experiencing joint pain, you should also focus on strengthening the muscles around your joints. Check out our article, Best Exercises to Alleviate Joint Pain to find out where to start!
