Having a proper diet and eating the right food has been found to have a positive effect on people who suffer from osteoarthritis. Whether you have just been diagnosed or you are taking care of someone with the condition, you should not focus too much on taking medication, such that you forget the food that should be eaten and those products that are to be avoided.
Food to Control Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
There are many foods that you can eat to control osteoarthritis. Note that diet cannot cure the disease. It only helps in managing the symptoms.
- Oily Fish: Oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel are rich in iron and omega-3 that helps in reducing the inflammation that causes a flare-up of symptoms among people with osteoarthritis. You can also supplement the fish with healthy nuts such as walnuts and chia seeds to get the omega-3.
- Dairy: Cheese, yoghurt and milk have calcium and vitamins. If taken in moderation and in their natural form, dairy products are particularly useful in managing osteoarthritis of the knee and providing relief, especially after a long day of strenuous exercise.
- Vegetables: Dark green vegetables such as kale and spinach have antioxidants that improve the immune system and control infections. Broccoli has sulforaphane known for preventing osteoarthritis from getting worse.
- Garlic: There are many health benefits of garlic including the fact that it controls the production of enzymes in the body which have been found to injure cartilage.
Foods to Avoid
- Processed Sugar: Sugar that has been processed releases cytokines that effect the release of inflammatory chemicals that cause pain. Avoid sugared beverages such as soda and processed juices.
- Saturated Fats: These fats will cause obesity that puts unwanted pressure on your joints and muscles, hence increasing the pain. You should also avoid processed carbohydrates.
Consider working with a nutritionist to identify foods that work well for your body.
