Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that causes degeneration of the joints of the knee, hips, feet, spine and hands. Its symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and redness. Evidence indicates that certain foods can be effective in increasing joint movement and function. Consult your health care provider before taking any foods for osteoarthritis.
Garlic
Increasing garlic intake might have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis. Researchers from King's College London and the University of East Anglia investigated the effects of garlic consumption on osteoarthritis risk and published their report in the December 2010 issue of the journal "BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders." They not only found that garlic protects against osteoarthritis, but suggest that garlic contains a compound that might be used to develop treatments for the condition. Garlic contains the compound called diallyl disulphide, which lowers the amount of enzymes that cause cartilage damage that is normally associated with osteoarthritis patients. Although these findings are promising, further research is needed.
Cherries
Cherries anti-inflammatory properties might help alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis, according to Dr. John Cush and fellow researchers from the Baylor Research Institute. In a 2007 pilot study, scientists observed that osteoarthritis patients taking cherry extracts experienced improvements in function as well as pain relief after eight weeks. Researchers noted that a second study testing cherry pills versus a placebo is needed.
Salmon
Increasing the intake of vitamin D rich foods, such as salmon, sardines and dairy products, may help improve function and reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients. Researchers, speaking at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in San Antonio in October 2004, noted a study involving the relationship of vitamin D status and the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The study indicated that increasing vitamin D levels improved physical function and muscle strength in vitamin D deficient patients with osteoarthritis. Researchers also stated that most osteoarthritis patients have low vitamin D levels and increasing these levels can lessen the pain and disability of the disease.
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