Buying the Right Foods for Your Joints

By Donna Stark 

If you want to make a dramatic difference in the health of your joints, there are many different things that you can choose to do, but the most important choice is the one you make at your local grocery store. That's right. The choice to leave the junk on the shelves and to fill your cart with nutrient-rich foods instead is the choice that will have the most impact on the quality of your life. Just like you need to consume a healthy diet for overall wellness, you also need to select the right products for improved joint health. 

Buying the Right Foods for Your Joints

If you are interested in reducing the pain and damage that is occurring in your body's joints, keep reading! Here's a quick rundown on the types of food that, in addition to improving your joint health, can improve many other aspects of your overall well-being too! Take a look.

• Produce - Get ready to pile those superfoods into your cart! High in fiber, low in calories, and rich in nutrients, fruits and veggies can satisfy everyone's hunger pains while delivering loads of anti-inflammatory properties. You can't go wrong by purchasing leafy greens, berries, avocado, and grapefruit.
• Fatty fish - If you are looking for a red-meat substitute, fatty fish is the way to go! Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Try to consume at least two servings per week.
• Whole grains - Whole grains help to lower inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. You can find whole grains in foods such as oatmeal, brown rice, and pasta.
• Subtle flavoring - Adding some spice to your life can certainly make your days interesting but in addition to that, it can also improve the health of your joints. Flavor your nutritious meals with extra-virgin olive oil, turmeric, garlic, onions, and leeks.
• Green tea - You are going to need something to drink with all of those healthy meals you make, so why not consider picking up some green tea? Green tea is packed with antioxidants that are believed to reduce inflammation and help slow down the rate of joint degeneration.

Eating Well

The bad news is that you are suffering from joint pain and dysfunction, but the good news is that you can reduce your discomfort and decrease the risk of further degeneration simply by eating the right foods. So make the right choice at the grocery store the next time you are shopping and fill your cart full of arthritis-friendly foods!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newtown Square, Pa.