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Proper Nutrition for Decreasing Joint Pain

By on August 3, 2012

Aching joints and even arthritis are ideas that are commonly associated with aging. It’s a not so well-known fact that the foods you eat and your nutrition can directly relate to your joint health. Even young adults who don’t eat properly can experience joint pain and arthritis at an early age.

There are a lot of reasons someone may experience joint pain. It can be from over-exertion, frequent repetitive movements, injuries, inflammation, or diet. Any of the reasons that cause joint pain can be exacerbated by poor nutrition or diet. If you are experiencing joint pain, you may want to closely examine your current diet. There may be some need for change.

Certain types of diets and foods can greatly reduce the level of joint pain, and can help prevent joint issues in the future.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a great element to have in any diet, especially if you are having joint pains. These healthy unsaturated fats help to reduce inflammation at the joints, and therefore reduce joint pain. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in abundance in fish like salmon and tuna. Diets that include a lot of fish can help with joint pain.

If you are having joint pain, you may need to incorporate more calcium into your diet. Bone loss and deterioration is one of the

leading causes of joint pain. Having a diet high in calcium can improve bone density and strength, leading to less joint pain. Foods high in calcium are yogurt, cheese, smoothies, milk, and cottage cheese.

Recent studies have shown that berries such as cranberries, turmeric, grapes, and blueberries contain an ingredient called resveratrol. Resveratrol has various properties that directly benefit and relate to joint health such as reducing inflammation.

It is important to also include protein into your diet. Proteins such as those found in nuts, poultry, and red meats help to repair and build up tissue and muscles that have been damaged. Other foods that are high in protein include tuna, salmon, cottage cheese, and eggs. When these foods are eaten so muscles and tissues can be repaired properly, it leads to less joint pain.

Whole grains have also been proven in studies to help with joint pain. Whole grains promote less inflammation, and assist in flexibility of the blood vessels and joints. Consuming the proper servings of whole grains per day can help you have less joint pain.

If you are suffering from joint pain, there are a variety of foods that you should avoid and should not eat. Foods that contain high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids should not be eaten. Omega-6 fatty acids can increase inflammation in the body, leading to more joint pain. Examples of foods high in omega-6 fatty acids are fried foods, processed foods, corn, soybeans, and sunflower.