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Ben Franklin, the founding father of the United States, once said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Orthopedic specialists agree, which is why they will always encourage you to adopt healthy dietary habits and exercise regularly, which is essential for supporting strong bones and joints. When you go to a doctor specializing in Cedar Rapids American rehabilitation medicine, you may receive advice to consume foods rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. You may need to eat healthy foods while also benefiting from other techniques for combating joint pain, like hot and cold therapy and trigger point injections.
Different foods you can regularly eat can help build your bone density, strengthen your connective tissues, and prevent or eliminate inflammation. As a result, you will significantly be at less risk of getting injuries that may affect your overall quality of life.
According to a CDC report, conditions like arthritis and gout physically affect over 35% of Americans, making it difficult for them to participate in daily activities, including housework or hobbies.
Moreover, eating healthy foods that prevent or reduce joint pains can help you benefit from increased joint mobility. Also, eating healthy diets can help you maintain a normal weight, which does not put much strain on your joints.
Consequently, below are common foods that may help strengthen your joints and bones and help provide relief against joint pains.
- Turmeric
This golden-orange spice is a popular ingredient, especially in preparing Indian dishes. It enriches the color, nutrition, and flavor of diets.
Turmeric is rich in a chemical called curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Because of curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can help fight foreign invaders and free radicals and repair damaged joints.
- Green tea
Numerous studies show that green tea might provide relief against pain, especially if the pain and discomfort come from your joints.
Green tea contains a rich supply of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The ingredient can help combat inflammation, slow the progression of osteoarthritis, and lessen joint pains by reducing inflammation-causing cytokines and loss of cartilage.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, resulting from the gradual wear and tear of the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones. Although the condition can affect almost any joint, it often attacks the joints of your hands, hips, knees, and spine.
- Broccoli
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain a natural compound that can help relieve joint pain.
The sulforaphane compound can block the inflammatory process and might assist in slowing cartilage damage resulting from osteoarthritis (OA).
The natural chemical often suppresses the production of cytokines, small secreted proteins by immune and non-immune cells. A cytokine storm often increases the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6.
- Whole grains
Research indicates that whole-grain foods such as brown rice, oatmeal, millet, bread, red rice, sorghum, barley, corn, and bulgur are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and dietary fiber.
Therefore, a higher whole grain intake can significantly decrease the concentration of inflammatory markers.
Other foods that may help relieve joint pain include salmon, tuna, cherries, almonds, flax seeds, olive oil, lentils, garlic, onions, bone broth, and beans.
Contact American Rehabilitation Medicine today to schedule an appointment with a joint pain specialist.
