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Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that affects the knees. While medications can help with controlling the symptoms, diet can also help. Osteoarthritis affecting the knee tends to damage the cartilage with the knee joint. Serving as a cushion at the end of bones in joints, cartilage tissues play an important role in protecting the knee joint. When it is damaged, a person experiences pain and mobility problems. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee, you want to consult with a Bayonne knee pain specialist to help manage the pain. That being said, there are diet tips you can follow to help minimize your knee arthritis pain as you seek treatment.
Omega 3 and oily fish
Fish oil can help protect your knee joint from the damage caused by osteoarthritis. When your body’s immune system reacts to any injury, disease, or irritation, inflammation occurs, causing swelling, redness, and pain. In osteoarthritis, inflammation is considered both a symptom and a cause. So, eating foods containing anti-inflammatory substances can help reduce pain.
Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower the concentration of substances like interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) that cause inflammation.
While omega-3 fatty acids are recommended, you want to reduce your omega-6 fatty acids intake. These fatty acids occur in different cooking oil types and may increase the production of chemicals that cause inflammation. Oils containing omega-6 fatty acids include sunflower and corn oil.
Plant-based foods
Vegetables and fruits are part of a healthy diet. They contain nutrients you can have to help with osteoarthritis of the knee. Dietary fibers appear to decrease blood cholesterol levels. Since fibers make you feel full for longer, they can help maintain a healthy weight.
Also, antioxidants help support your immune system and in fighting inflammation. Berries including raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries, are rich in antioxidants. Fresh black and red grapes contain resveratrol, while soy contains isoflavones. These substances help with inflammation and can help minimize the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
You may also want to eat healthful fats including anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fat found in avocados. These fruits also contain vitamin E, which also has anti-inflammatory effects. During the early stages of osteoarthritis of the knee, eating these substances has been linked to a reduced risk of having joint damage.
Foods that hydrate
Watermelon has a compound known as carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which may help minimize the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Since watermelon has a lot of water, it helps with hydration and contains substances that may reduce C-reactive protein (CRP).
Vitamin C
Oranges, peppers, leafy vegetables, and other greens are considered a good source of vitamin C. You can help preserve your bone and protect cartilage cells by taking vitamin C.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate pressure created on the knees. Certain substances in food can also help relieve inflammation and pain. Knowing what foods to eat when you have osteoarthritis can help minimize pain. Talk to a knee pain specialist to discuss your diet choices to know how you can manage bouts of pain.
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