Foods To Eat To Cure Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, an autoimmune condition, is characterized by chronic joint pain and inflammation. Also called degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis develops when your joint cartilage deteriorates over time, reports MayoClinic.com. It commonly affects the joints in your neck, knees, hips, hands and lower back. Although no cure currently exists for osteoarthritis, you can include healthy foods in your diet to improve your arthritis symptoms.

Vegetables and Fruits

Consuming vegetables and fruits are vital for osteoarthritis because they are packed with minerals and other nutrients. They also contain antioxidants including vitamins E and C, which promotes digestion, prevents constipation from arthritis prescribed medications and fights free radicals, notes Phyllis B. Balch in "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Examples of nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits include oranges, apples, pineapples, watermelon, spinach, broccoli, grapefruit, papaya, cabbage, carrots and dark, leafy green vegetables.

Fatty Fish

Fish sources such as herring, salmon, tuna, lake trout, mackerel and halibut are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Cox enzymes can promote joint inflammation if you are deficient in omega-3 and high in omega-6 nutrients, reports the publication "Arthritis Today." These enzymes are commonly found in fried foods, cookies, candy, cakes and other processed foods.

Liquids

When you have osteoarthritis, it is important to consume liquids on a regular basis. Drinking dairy products, such as milk, is beneficial for sustained bone health and optimal nutrition. Increasing your water consumption also helps promote digestive motility and decreases constipation due to osteoarthritis prescription medications, notes Balch.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed provides your body with omega-3 nutrients and whole grain sources that can alleviate arthritis pain because of their anti-inflammatory properties. You can find flaxseed at your local grocer or health food store. They can be enjoyed in cereal, oatmeal, smoothies and yogurt for optimal joint health. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends you consume up to two flaxseed tablespoons daily.