Healthy Nutrition for Flexible Joints
Victoria Shanta Retelny, R.D.
Environmental Nutrition
When your joints are happy, you don't even know they're there. But if they are inflamed with arthritis, the condition can be painful and debilitating. Although the first line of defense for arthritis is medication, research is unfolding about the effects of diet on joint health. "Managing arthritis is about lifestyle and overall diet pattern coupled with quality medical treatment by a rheumatologist," explains
Lifestyle changes to promote healthy joints. These diet and lifestyle changes may help soothe arthritis symptoms.
Fruits and veggies
Certain plant foods have been deemed "anti-inflammatory," as they can ease the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis (OA.) A 2010 study in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that a plant-based diet of fruits and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and kale, along with alliums such as garlic, onions, and leeks, showed some improvement with OA of the hip. Eating fruits and vegetables not only keeps body weight in a healthy range, but a compound in alliums, called diallyl disulphide, appears to fend off degrading protein enzymes present with OA.
Healing ginger
Ginger has been a topical remedy for alleviating arthritis symptoms for thousands of years in
Green tea
Potent plant compounds in green tea leaves called catechins, specifically epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that appear to stave off oxidative damage in joints. A 2010 review in
Mediterranean diet
Dietary patterns that show promise in lowering inflammation, according to a 2010 review in the
Omega-3 fats
Fish oil, specifically the omega-3 fatty acids
Move more
Physical activity is one of the cornerstones for keeping joints healthy and happy, as well as keeping weight in check. Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity such as walking, running, biking, dancing, and strength training each week.
Living with Arthritis
More than 46 million adults live with some form of arthritis--the main cause of disability in people over age 55, according to the
Although the causes for RA are still a mystery, experts suspect genetics, infections, and cigarette smoking may be factors.
Twitter: @ihavenet
Available at Amazon.com:
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
- Healthy Nutrition for Flexible Joints
- Harness the Power of Plants in Your Diet
- Oranges May Be The Ultimate Superfruit
- You're Not Foolish to Question the Necessity of Aspirin
- Tests For Biomarkers Could Change Diagnosis, Treatment of Mental Illness
- Drink Yourself Beautiful With Lemon Water
- Should You Try a Gluten-free Diet?
- 5 Colors to Pile on Your Plate
- Cell Phone Radiation: 5 Ways to Minimize It Now
- How to Stay Healthy on Vacation
- Weight-Loss Surgery Can Help -- And Harm -- The Heart
- How Much Water to Drink? Advice on Water Intake and More
- Look to Label for Food Allergens
- Waking Up to Yerba Mate
- Have Healthy Eating Habits All Day
- How Healthy Are You?
- Prevent Deadly Medication Mistakes
- Why a Higher SPF May Not Be Enough
- Chinese Medicine Offers New Parkinson's Treatments
- How the New USDA Guidelines Change Your Meals
- Berries Are Berry Good For Your Health
- Eco-eating: Delicious Family-friendly Salads
- 3 Forgotten Beauty Foods
- Fab Foods: When it Comes to Knowing What to Eat, Lists Can Be Helpful
- 'Food Miles' Movement Fueled by Local Food
- Screening Tests That Can Save Your Life
- Eat Fiber and Feel Better
- The Worst and Best Sweets for Your Teeth
- The Truth About Extreme Smile Makeovers
- Beat the Bedbug Epidemic
- Recreational Drugs Go Straight
- A Smart Guide to Dietary Supplements
- Normal Weight Obesity - A Growing Concern
- Fruit and Vegetables: Americans Fall Short
- Hybrid Fruit: The New Super-food
Copyright © 2011 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. DISTRIBUTED BY Tribune Media Services