Keeping Osteoarthritis Away with Healthy Eating

Osteoarthritis is a medical condition that is mainly caused by lifestyle factors. These include unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyle, over weight problems and previous injury. Osteoarthritis is highly preventable and all it takes is living a healthy lifestyle. One simple way is to start eating a healthy diet to help prevent or manage osteoarthritis.

Dietary supplements, information on osteoarthritis fighting foods and other natural treatments are also readily available to help people fight off this disease. Getting the right nutrients into your body is just one of the ways to minimize your risk for developing osteoarthritis. However, working with your doctor to develop a prevention or treatment plan still remains to be the way of keeping this disease at bay.

Building Stronger Bones and Cartilages

Vitamin C rich food is essential in developing a diet designed to prevent osteoarthritis. Vitamin C is an important nutrient responsible for building collagen and proteoglycans. These are the building blocks for stronger cartilage which helps cushion the joints. Vitamin C rich foods also contain powerful antioxidants that prevent toxin buildup in the joints that can damage the cartilage.

Fruits and vegetables are definite staples when it comes to osteoarthritis preventing diets. Eating a variety of frozen, dried and fresh fruits is a must but also keep fruit juices to a minimal since these contain large amounts of sugar. The recommended amount of vitamin C for example could easily be reached by eating an orange, a large banana, a quarter of dried peaches or other dried fruits. Another essential food group includes nuts and seeds and fish. These are healthy sources of protein but do not contain the same high levels of fat seen in poultry or animal meat. Regular diets can easily provide much needed proteins but the trick is to get this from healthy sources. Fish and calamari for example contain Omega 3 essential fatty acids which has anti-inflammatory properties. Other ways of minimizing fats in your diet are boiling, grilling or baking. Cooking oils could also be replaced with healthier alternatives such as flaxseed and olive oils.

Eating dark green and orange vegetables are important for preventing osteoarthritis. The recommended amounts of daily intake may depend on a person's age, activity levels and gender. However, adults in general are advised to eat two to three cups of vegetables daily. Broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, squash and beans are ideal.

Calcium is essential for building strong and healthy bones, which is important for preventing joint damage. Make drinking milk healthier by choosing low or no-fat milk. Adults are advised to drink three cups of dairy daily.

Foods to Look out For

There's no shortage of information regarding the types of foods that could prevent or manage osteoarthritis. Eating a healthy and well balanced diet for example is not only great for reducing our risks for osteoarthritis but also for keeping us healthy in general.

One of the simple rules when it comes to healthy eating is to eat less as we grow older. We must not forget that factors for developing osteoarthritis are weight problems. A heavier weight means more pressure on the joints so be sure to avoid that. Changes associated with aging include slowing metabolism. You might be eating the same food amounts but the body is unable to burn fats effectively.

People who are suffering from osteoarthritis are advised to stay away from unhealthy and fatty foods. Keeping your weight within ideal limits minimizes the pressure, wear and tear on your joints. Fat can also increase your chances of inflammation which can worsen joint inflammation.

Stay clear from foods that contain large amounts of simple refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and trans-fats. Processed foods, fast foods, fried and sweets are also good candidates for increasing your risk for osteoporosis.

Animal meat and eggs contain saturated fat which can have negative effects on our health when taken in great amounts. It does not only increase your risk for osteoarthritis but also makes you susceptible to cancers and cardiovascular diseases. These foods also contain rich amounts of Omega 6 which if left unchecked could increase the pain and inflammation in the joints.

Eating a healthy and well balanced diet is important for preventing osteoarthritis. A diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean meat, fish and complex carbohydrates is perfect for reducing your risk for osteoarthritis. It is a good diet that helps you maintain your ideal weight.

Switch to “good fats” or unsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are rich in antioxidants that can clear the joints from damaging toxins. Foods that are rich in vitamin C are good for strengthening the bones and cartilages. Improving the strength in the joints and prevents injuries.