Millions of people suffer from joint pain. As you age, what might have once been annoying discomfort slowly transforms into disabling pain. Many with chronic joint pain progressively reduce their physical activity in order to manage the pain that accompanies their every move. Unfortunately, reducing your physical activity only worsens the pain in the long run. Pain medications such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause side effects and fail to address the underlying problem. Further, pain medications can make physical recovery more difficult by speeding destruction of cartilage, reports NewHope.com. Though there are no magic bullets that eliminate joint pain, you can help manage and reduce your joint pain by choosing foods that reduce inflammation, repair damaged tissues, reduce exacerbating causes and promote healing.
Causes
A wide variety of medical conditions can cause joint pain. Over 20 percent of American adults report having been diagnosed with arthritis by their doctor, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that covers bones deteriorates, leaving bone to scrape on bone during movement. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's self-defense system mistakenly attacks and destroys the lubricant-like synovial membrane within joints. Other conditions, such as gout, anklyosing spondylitis, lupus, bursitis, tendinitis, myofascial pain, fibromylagia, carpal tunnel syndrome, Reiter's syndrome and scleroderma have their particular causes and symptoms, but all can lead to joint pain. Each illness may have particular foods that are particularly helpful, but several foods can provide generic relief for multiple conditions.
Calcium and Magnesium Foods
Calcium is needed to build strong bones, while magnesium is necessary to help bones absorb dietary calcium. Foods with high levels of calcium include dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese and dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, mustard greens and bok choy. Soy milk, tofu, navy beans, fortified cereal and fortified orange juice also contain high levels of calcium. To aid absorption of calcium, include foods with magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, sea food and legumes.
Sulphur Foods
Sulphur is necessary for the repair and maintenance of bone, cartilage and connective tissues, and it helps in the absorption of calcium. High-sulphur foods include vegetables, particularly dark green, leafy vegetables such as salad and cooking greens, whole grains, non-acidic fresh fruits, oatmeal, fish, soybean products and brown rice.
Histidine Foods
Author and nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch notes that many people with arthritis have high levels of copper and iron. Foods with the amino acid histidin, such as wheat, rye and rice, may help remove excess metals from the body.
Antioxidant Foods
Vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene and the mineral selenium are antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals--scavenger molecules that raid and destroy cartilage and joint tissues as they steal electrons. Fruits high in antioxidants include blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes, cantaloupe, mangos, oranges, tomatoes and red grapes. Vegetables high in antioxidants include broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, spinach, peppers, kale and sweet potatoes. Whole grains high in antioxidants include wheat germ and brown rice, while helpful legumes include soy beans, dried beans and lentils. The best oils to consume are soybean, safflower and olive oil.
Anti-Inflammatory Food
Omega-3 fatty acids aid the immune system and reduce inflammation, a cardinal symptom of most joint-pain syndromes. Like ibuprofen, but without the side effects, omega-3 fatty acids decrease pain by fighting inflammation, as reported at AskDrSears.com. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids include flax seed oil, flax seed, olive oil and cold water fish such as halibut, mackerel, tuna, cod, salmon and sardines. Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that enhances your body's anti-inflammatory response naturally, according to Prescription for Nutritional Healing.
Bioflavonoid Foods
Bioflavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Foods with bioflavonoids include green tea, berries, pitted fruits, onions and berries.
