Improve Your Diet for Better Bone and Joint Health
Whether you’re struggling with joint pain or trying to optimize your workouts, improving your diet can help boost your overall health and help you get more active. Even small changes in your eating choices can have a huge impact.
For patients struggling with joint or back pain, our nutrition team recommends eating for weight loss. By dropping extra weight, you decrease the pressure on weight bearing joints. Certain foods, like cherries and ginger, can also help decrease joint inflammation. Studies have shown that whole foods, whole grains, lean meets and fresh fruits and vegetables, can help bodies recovery more quickly from illness or injury.
Here are three health tips to help you improve your diet and avoid ailments like joint pain:
- Eliminate Fried Foods – Fried food is incredibly high in Omega 6 fatty acids, which have been linked to joint inflammation. Nutritionists encourage individuals to limit their intake of Omega 6. Instead, try baking your favorite foods for a healthier meal!
- Take a Supplement for Bone Health – If you’re concerned about your bone health, you may want to talk to your doctor about a calcium or vitamin D supplement. These supplements can help promote bone and joint health if your diet is lacking.
- Swap Meat for Beans (or Fish) – Quality proteins (like those found in fish, beans, soy, turkey, and tofu) are essential to accelerating healing and reducing inflammation. For patients who have undergone a surgery, for instance a joint replacement or arthroscopy, eating complete proteins several times a week can help prevent infection during recovery!
If you’re interested in a personalized nutrition plan, consider consulting with a registered dietitian. These fitness experts can help you make food decisions that optimize your health.