Eating for Joint Health
By Brandi Goodman
Certain foods are more beneficial for particular areas of the body than others. You can eat for joint health specifically, for example, if you suffer from joint pain, want to strengthen your joints and bones, or have arthritis. It's more than just choosing to eat healthy. You should consume foods rich in antioxidants and that contain anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables in the cruciferous family contain an antioxidant that works to block enzymes that cause inflammation. By eating enough of these vegetables, you may help to stop or at least significantly reduce your joint pain. Just be careful. These veggies contain a lot of fiber as well that aids digestion so you may be in the bathroom a lot more often. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, kale, radishes, cauliflower, and more.
Herbs and Spices
Anti-inflammatory properties are found in several herbs and spices. Add these to your meals to help reduce inflammation within your body and decrease pain found at the joint sites. Ginger is one particular option. Get fresh ginger and dice up pieces to add to soups, salads, meat dishes, and more. You can even add it to your tea. Turmeric is another choice. The root of this plant is used in cooking and can ease symptoms of arthritis along with other diseases, including Alzheimer's.
Cherries and Berries
Cherries and berries each contain antioxidants that fight toxins in the body. They can get rid of harmful toxins causing harm to the joints and ensure less pain is felt in these areas. Tart cherry juice is particularly helpful for this, as are blueberries.
What to Avoid
While there are certain foods you should be eating, there are also particular things you should not be eating. Be sure to avoid these foods if you want to keep inflammation from spreading. Refined grains, such as white bread and pasta, are some of the worst things you can eat if you have joint pain. Sugar is another culprit of joint swelling. Don't eat processed foods, candy, and foods high in sugar. Choose natural choices instead to sweeten foods and drinks, such as organic honey or coconut sugar.
Eat for your joint health and see how your pain is diminished. With foods that reduce inflammation and swelling, you're less likely to experience such severe discomfort. A diet rich in these foods may help you to return to a normal range of motion. Pair your improved eating habits with chiropractic care from The Joint Chiropractic and you're even more likely to gain back flexibility and feel recharged.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.