Nutrition for Joint Health
Posted by
Heather J.
As with myriad other health issues, there’s a very real connection between food and joint health. Just as proper nutrition can keep your heart healthy and cholesterol levels low, certain foods can ease and improve joint function. Here’s a few:
Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which may be damaging to the joints. Aim for a diet high in Vitamin A, C, E, and selenium. Choices include yellow-orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, peaches, and dark leafy greens for the A; grapefruit, oranges, papaya, mangoes, raspberries, pineapples, asparagus, red peppers, and broccoli for the C; avocados, whole-grain breads and cereals, sunflower seeds and peanut butter for the E; and salmon, brazil nuts, oatmeal, and brown rice for the selenium.
Also, certain fatty acids, such as omega-3s, are anti-inflammatory by nature and can reduce swelling and discomfort in joints. Excellent dietary sources include coldwater fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and herring, as well as green vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
For an additional boost, a glucosamine-based dietary supplement can help. Look for trusted brands that offer at least 1,500 mg of glucosamine, and take it consistently. I use a glucosamine/MSM supplement from Trader Joe’s.
Nutrition for Joint Health
Posted by Heather J.
As with myriad other health issues, there’s a very real connection between food and joint health. Just as proper nutrition can keep your heart healthy and cholesterol levels low, certain foods can ease and improve joint function. Here’s a few:
Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which may be damaging to the joints. Aim for a diet high in Vitamin A, C, E, and selenium. Choices include yellow-orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, apricots, cantaloupe, peaches, and dark leafy greens for the A; grapefruit, oranges, papaya, mangoes, raspberries, pineapples, asparagus, red peppers, and broccoli for the C; avocados, whole-grain breads and cereals, sunflower seeds and peanut butter for the E; and salmon, brazil nuts, oatmeal, and brown rice for the selenium.
Also, certain fatty acids, such as omega-3s, are anti-inflammatory by nature and can reduce swelling and discomfort in joints. Excellent dietary sources include coldwater fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and herring, as well as green vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
For an additional boost, a glucosamine-based dietary supplement can help. Look for trusted brands that offer at least 1,500 mg of glucosamine, and take it consistently. I use a glucosamine/MSM supplement from Trader Joe’s.