Diet To Alleviate Joint Pain

Do you feel joint pain and don’t know what to do? Your doctor is the only one qualified to indicate the treatment that you should follow, and once you have them, you can also consult him about the convenience of the following nutritional keys.

The importance of your diet in joint pain

If you are one of that percentage of the population that suffers from joint pain, you know how harsh this reality is. Sometimes anti-inflammatories are used, a medication that does not always offer the expected results.

Joint pain can be due to several factors, such as wear and tear, arthritis, or rheumatism. Some are diseases that tend to last for life and to which we have to get used to.

However, we can alleviate its incidence and obtain a better quality of life through better life habits and adequate nutrition.

Food can be basic to reduce pain. It is possible to be able to nourish the bones, cartilage and tendons by means of suitable minerals with which to further strengthen the joints.

We must also point out that, if you are one of that fortunate percentage of the population that still does not suffer from joint pain, it  would be advisable that you also follow the guidelines that we reflect now, to prevent it.

Diet to reduce joint pain

Of course, diet is an aspect that should be discussed with a nutritionist. Never make changes to your diet without the consent of the professional. Much less resort to these foods as a substitute for the treatment indicated by the doctor; in any case, they can be supplements to help alleviate symptoms.

1. Avoid chemical foods

If you think about it for a moment, how many processed foods do you eat per week? Soda drinks would also enter here, and even those juices that we sometimes buy and that are so unhealthy, mainly because of their sugar content.

Be more selective with what you eat, take a little time to do the shopping and to choose what you are going to put on your plates.

It is advisable to reduce the consumption of refined flours, sugars, salt and similar components that our organs do not digest well and that are harmful, causing overweight and further damaging our joints.

2. Beware of foods with high acidity

One of the foods that we usually consume on a daily basis and that is more harmful than healthy, is milk. Milk is a food of animal origin with acidifying action that alters the pH of our blood.

Milk makes the blood more acidic, and this ends up causing joint pain. Another highly acidic drink is coffee. Therefore, try not to consume it in excess.

3. Beware of excess animal protein

Animal protein raises the acid level in our body, just like milk. We know that proteins are necessary for humans, but vegetables and their vegetable proteins such as legumes or nuts can also provide us with an adequate balance. According to studies, they have only a few essential amino acids less than animal proteins.

If you consume animal protein, avoid red meat, or at least reduce its consumption, as indicated by specialized sources in medicine. Stick with chicken or turkey breast, for example, which are healthier.

4. Foods that favor the contribution of collagen

Collagen is essential to strengthen and restore cartilage, which helps us reduce joint pain. One way to achieve this is through gelatin, which, as you already know, is rich in collagen and vitamin C, something essential for the health of our cartilage.

There are foods that, being rich in sulfur, provide that element that acts as a support and as a reinforcement of cartilage, so ideal if you consume a little onion, leeks, asparagus and Brussels sprouts a week. Very adequate and healthy.

5. Adequate supply of calcium and magnesium

Two essential elements to strengthen bones and joints. Therefore, it would be advisable that you do not neglect to eat plenty of legumes such as lentils or chickpeas.

Also ideal are pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, rich in magnesium, a mineral that you can also find in all those green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, watercress and parsley. Dried fruits and algae can also provide us with these minerals.

6. Foods rich in Omega-3

It may surprise you, because omega 3 is still a type of fatty acid. However, it is the healthiest and the one that, as scientifically proven, helps us reduce inflammation and joint pain.

You can find it in salmon, or in fish like mackerel. If you wish, you can also use food supplements, but always check with your doctor beforehand.

7. To conclude: basic nutritional keys

First of all, try first to maintain a balance and not overdo it. Ideally, eat small amounts many times a day, without skipping any meals. Losing weight is proven to be an effective relief for joint pain and inflammation.

Remember to drink plenty of water and also eat fruits and vegetables. It is important that you purify your body and eliminate all those toxins.

As we said previously, joint pain is not easily resolved, but we can mitigate it. Do not be discouraged and do not neglect your emotional health and be optimistic, as well as you must follow the instructions given by your trusted doctor to the letter.