Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in the joints to deteriorate gradually, increasing the amount of friction between the bones and causing inflammation in the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The primary cause of the discomfort and stiffness brought on by the ailment is this. One of the easiest ways to reduce inflammation throughout the body and make OA easier to manage is by making a small change to one’s diet. A person can assist themselves feel more comfortable and mobile every day by avoiding the three foods listed below :
Sweet Foods
One of the main causes of inflammation is too much sugar, which is one of the main reasons for this it has been shown to irritate different tissues all throughout the body in certain amounts. A joint already weakened by OA may be subjected to further stress if there is an excessive sugar intake, which is a major contributor to weight gain and obesity. It can be quite useful for people with OA to mostly eliminate foods like soda, candies, juices, and the majority of pre-made sauces because they are typically loaded with sugar.
Salty Meals
The flavor of almost every dish can be improved with a little salt, but too much salt might make OA symptoms worse. In fact, salt makes tissues inflamed and leads cells to retain water. Try other seasonings, such as black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest, during meals rather than reaching for the saltshaker because they don’t induce inflammation. Nevertheless, be wary of “spice blends” because salt is sometimes one of their primary ingredients.
Fried Meals
Fried foods not only have higher salt or sugar contents than baked goods (fried chicken is healthier than a doughnut) but it has also been demonstrated that the oil used in frying causes a chemical response in the body that worsens inflammation.
WHAT FOODS ARE BENEFICIAL FOR OA?
You’re probably already aware of the meals that the majority of doctors would advise their OA patients to eat, like grilled meats, mildly seasoned veggies, and beverages like water and tea. Fortunately, someone with OA doesn’t have to give up all of their favorite foods. They should just limit their consumption of sweet and salty foods to irregular intervals. The symptoms of OA can be kept to a minimum so that a person experiences less pain and more function by eating predominantly non-inflammatory foods.
Here are some foods to consider :
- Oily fish:- Oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have natural anti-inflammatory effects and may help alleviate OA symptoms.
- Fruits and vegetables:- Fruits and vegetables include antioxidants that aid to reduce inflammation in the body. They are also high in fiber, which can help with digestion and keeping a healthy body weight.
- Nuts:- Nuts are high in calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E. Pistachios, walnuts, and almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, which can help combat inflammation.
- Onions and garlic:- Both garlic and onions contain the compound diallyl disulfide, which has been shown to inhibit cartilage degeneration.
- Beans:- Beans’ high fiber content has also been linked to decreased levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, a recognized inflammatory sign.
It’s crucial to keep in mind nevertheless that treating OA with a healthy diet alone is not a good idea. The best course of action is still to see a doctor, heed their advice, and take medication as necessary. Through the use of this multifaceted strategy, a patient can significantly lessen their symptoms and go about their daily activities without having to give their OA a second thought.
Discover how your diet impacts your arthritis and other strategies to manage symptoms. Call (469) 545-9983 today to speak with an orthopedist at Specialty Care Clinics.