Symptoms and Foods for Osteoarthritis

Symptoms and Foods for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a condition that leads to inflammation of the joints and can affect anyone, irrespective of their age, gender, and ethnicity. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones is worn down over time. While osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint, it commonly strikes the fingers, knees, spine, and hips.  The condition usually leads to symptoms of severe inflammation, red joints, pain, and mobility issues that can hinder a patient’s ability to carry out their daily activities.

Having said that, some simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help manage the condition effectively. Let’s look at some of the top foods to manage osteoarthritis pain and help ease inflammation:

  • Garlic
    Garlic has several medicinal properties, and it has been proven to help fight cancerous cells as well. It has also been known to lower the risk of heart diseases, and it is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent that helps alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. The consumption of garlic boosts the immune system, and eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
  • Ginger
    Ginger doesn’t just add flavor to tea or soup but also has anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found that the symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knees can be relieved through the regular consumption of ginger. Consuming ginger has been proven to improve the symptoms of arthritis as well.
  • Fatty fish
    Fish with omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, sardines, and mackerel also have anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found that patients of arthritis who regularly consume fatty fish have decreased levels of certain compounds that are responsible for inflammation. Fish is also a good source of vitamins, and two servings of fatty fish in a week are effective in alleviating inflammation caused by arthritis.
  • Broccoli
    Broccoli is one of the healthiest foods to consume and is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the top foods to help manage pain that occurs as a result of inflamed joints in arthritis patients.
  • Walnuts
    Walnuts are packed with nutrients and loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and it has been found that walnuts reduce the compounds in the body that cause inflammation.
  • Spinach
    Leafy vegetables, in general, are known to have high nutritional value, and spinach is no exception. It is rich in antioxidants and compounds that can alleviate pain that accompanies arthritis. Spinach is effective against rheumatoid arthritis due to the presence of an antioxidant called kaempferol.
  • Olive oil
    Olive oil is known for its antioxidant properties and healthy fat content, which make it one of the top foods to manage pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. It has been found that people who regularly consume olive oil face a lower risk of developing conditions related to inflammation, and this oil can also help manage inflammation in arthritis patients.