People in their 40s and 50s are not the only ones who suffer from chronic pain and other problems affecting the joints. There are several causes of this problem – arthritis being one of them. Arthritis actually covers over a hundred conditions triggering stiff, painful and inflamed joints.
Based on a survey conducted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 25 percent of the adult population aged 18 years or older suffers from chronic joint pain.
The increasing number of joint pain suffers causes the continuous manufacture of medications designed to ward off the problem. Good news is that aside from drugs, there are also foods that can help improve joint health.
With their high pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, the following foods for joint health can surely improve your body’s ability to manage the pain in your joints and prevent further damage.
Berries
The highly nutritious berries are rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that provide the fruits with their vibrant and dark colors. Thanks to their potent anti-inflammation properties you can expect them to prevent inflamed and painful joints.
These fruits are also rich in ellagic acid. This antioxidant reduces inflammation, which tends to worsen the pain in your joints. Cherries, in particular, have shown some amazing results as it comes to reducing chronic pain linked to gout attacks.
Fish
Fish is an excellent source of in omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing your intake of fish will surely keep your joints healthy. Omega-3 can fight inflammation, which is why joint health experts recommend eating around 3-4 ounces of fish, two times every week. Fish rich in Omega-3 include mackerel, tuna, herring and salmon.
Citrus Fruits
Some examples of citrus fruits that you can include in your diet are grapefruit, orange, pomelo, tangerine, lime, and lemon. Aside from their high Vitamin C content, they are also rich in potassium, folic acid, calcium, niacin, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, thiamin, and Vitamin B6 that all support better joint health. Include them in your diet and you will notice the pain and inflammation in your joints slowly disappearing.
Almonds
Rich in Omega 3, almonds can also help lessen inflammation. They have antioxidant properties, particularly Vitamin E, which protects your body against damage. Manganese, on the other hand, aids in repairing your damaged joints.
Coconut Oil
Known for its many therapeutic benefits, coconut oil is also an excellent addition to your diet, especially if your aim is to improve joint health. It aids in reducing pain and inflammation, hydrating your tissues, and protecting you against fungi, bacteria, viruses and other substances that are damaging to your joints. The good thing about coconut oil is that you can apply it both topically and internally.
Banana
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which supports better joint health. In fact, potassium deficiency is one of the leading causes of arthritis. It’s time to avoid this shortcoming and improve your joint health at the same time by increasing your intake of bananas.
Most of the foods for joint health mentioned in this article can relieve painful and aching joints, or prevent them in the first place. They also work in hydrating your muscles and joints, plus they are rich in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, making them more efficient in dealing with joint pain and damage.
Naturals News DT
