Food for joint pain relief

After certain age both men and women suffer from joint pain. Arthritis is one of the leading cause for joint pain. Connection between the bones forms joints. Joints support our body while we move. Any injury or age-related factors can cause pain in joints.

Apart from injuries, osteoarthritis, bursitis, gout, strain on body, rheumatoid arthritis and or sprains can cause pain in joints. Most people experience joint pain in their lifetime. One of the most common joint pain is knee pain that adults and elderly people experience. Hip, shoulder pain, wrist pain, ankle are other joints where one can experience pain for various reasons.

With proper medications and food intake we can reduce joint pain. Some of the foods that act as natural medicines to protect joints are;

Cherries: Cherries that are red and orange in color contain anthocyanin pigments. This makes cherries anti-inflammatory food. Apart from cherries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries can help to protect joints by reducing the inflammation. Berries contain quercetin and rutin- both are phytochemicals give plenty of health benefits to humans.

Oils: Daily oil that we use for cooking or adding onto salad help us to protect the joints. Olive oil contains oleocanthal which is again an anti-inflammatory agent. Its action is like a pain killer and reduces inflammation and pain. Sesame oil which is another oil which has been popularly used in traditional medicines, helps to treat arthritis and is a strong anti-inflammatory oil. It contains zinc and copper- both these metals have anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame oil also contains calcium that are needed for strengthening bones.  People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis can use these oils to massage joint and muscles to reduce pain.

Grains: Whole grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat grains are good for joint health. Whole grain can help to reduce joint inflammation by lowering CRP protein level that is known to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis condition. C-reactive protein which is released by liver into blood raises in blood when there is inflammation in the body. Whole grains help to reduce CRP level in blood and thus protect joints.

Spices: Consuming ginger, cinnamon, clove, sage, cayenne, rosemary, cumin and turmeric reduces inflammation. Include turmeric in your diet. Add turmeric to curry, soup or drink turmeric golden chai. Turmeric is recommended from centuries for reducing pain and inflammation in body. Studies have shown that turmeric is one of the spices that effectively reduces joint pain.

Beans and lentils: These are best source of protein, fiber and minerals. Both lentils and beans have anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. Include black beans, chickpeas, soy and lentils in your diet. They supply anthocyanins that helps to reduce joint inflammation.

Garlic: Studies have shown that garlic can enhance and strengthen immune system. Eating garlic everyday could reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. It is a strong anti-inflammatory food and decreases levels of chemicals responsible for joint pain.

Walnuts: Nutrient dense walnuts also will help to reduce joint inflammation. Omega-3-fatty acids in walnuts shown to reduce arthritis symptoms and associated pain.

Other foods one should consider are spinach, kale, other types of nuts rich in omega-3-fatty acids, broccoli and grapes. All these foods known to have anti-inflammatory property and help to reduce joint pain.

Daily walk, cardio and focusing on good diet is critical for maintaining healthy joints.

Image credit: Joerg https://www.flickr.com/photos/13435397@N06/31494462063 (CC by 2.0)