You will agree with me that osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in the UK. Statistics put the number of people suffering from this degenerative joint disorder at 8.5 million.
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are several ways of managing it, including diet. In this article, we have shared five great foods to eat if you have this condition.
Dairy
Milk, cheese, yoghurt and the rest of the dairy products are great for your OA. Dairy is a rich source of vitamin D and calcium, which are essential for the development of healthy bones. Some studies have also shown that milk slows the progression of the cartilage’s wear. There are also milk products with plant-based sterols or stanols, which reduce cholesterol.
Green Tea
Whether organic green tea or the typical type, green tea is regarded as the healthiest drink in the world. It has body-cleansing properties and above all, antioxidants (catechins) that can manage osteoarthritis of knee and hip, by reducing the inflammation. The antioxidants (polyphenols) also slow down the wear and tear of the cartilage.
Vegetables
Go for the dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collard greens and chard if you have osteoarthritis. These vegetables are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants that relieve pain. Their vitamin D is also essential in the absorption of calcium which is necessary for bone and cartilage development and healing. And it’s not just the green leafy vegetables. Add some broccoli and cruciferous vegetables as well. These have sulforaphane, an element that slows OA progression.
Water
Osteoarthritis patients must drink lots of water, not because it has pain-relieving properties. Still, it’s essential for your health and well being. Water stimulates the production of synovial fluid which lubricates the joints and cartilage, thereby reducing friction. With sufficient water, there will also be a healthy regeneration of the cartilage tissues.
Oils
While fried foods are to be avoided, oils should have a special place in the diet of osteoarthritis patients. A good source of these oils is seafood which has inflammation-reducing properties. There’s also extra virgin olive oil which boasts high oleocanthal levels. Oleocanthal is an element that works in the same way as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are used to manage OA.
Summary
There are so many great foods to eat if you have OA, not just the above only. Others foods to eat include berries, whole-grain cereal products, pineapples, peanut butter, bananas, garlic and nuts, just to mention a few.
While some foods are of benefit in osteoarthritis management, beware of some that will only aggravate the condition. These include sugars, salts, fried foods, and omega-6 fatty acids, just to mention a few.