Advice for fighting osteoarthritis with the right food

Osteoarthritis can cause pain and inflammation that may limit your abilities. Eating the right foods can reduce symptoms to help ease your pain and let you move with more flexibility.

Living with osteoarthritis is a painful experience that will eventually limit your range of motion. Fortunately, you can reduce symptoms to regain your quality of life by combining medications with the right food choices. These foods have powerful healing properties that will enable you to start enjoying life again.

Olive oil has a rich flavour that makes it an ideal choice for salads or as a dip for bread. The oleocanthal in this type of oil has been known to have healing properties when it comes to inflammation. By including olive oil in your diet, you can reduce inflammation in your muscles and joints, and in turn, reduce your pain.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also ideal for the reduction of inflammation. Fish, particularly salmon, is rich in this nutrient. By adding fish to your diet two or three times a week, you can take full advantage of its benefits. If you don't like fish, omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in walnuts and flaxseed. Add a few tablespoons of these foods to a salad for a healthy meal that helps ease your osteoarthritis symptoms.

Foods that contain antioxidants can help keep your osteoarthritis from progressing quickly, as antioxidants are able to slow down cell damage. While there are many other foods that contain antioxidants, blueberries are particularly known for having a high concentration of them.

Your diet doesn't have to be unappetizing just because you have osteoarthritis. Tasty peanut butter contains many nutrients, including vitamin B3, which is helpful against inflammation. Peanut butter also contains healthy fats and protein, so it is an ideal addition to any meal.

If grains are a major part of your diet, consider switching refined carbohydrates with their whole grain counterparts. Studies show that people with arthritis experience less stiffness and inflammation when they consume unrefined carbohydrates, like whole grain bread.

It's difficult to select a vegetable that provides the highest level of health benefits for people who have osteoarthritis, because all vegetables can help ease your symptoms. Fresh vegetables retain the most nutrients, so shopping for locally grown produce is a great way to get all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you need.

Living with osteoarthritis leads to pain and stiffness in the joints, but eating healthy and focusing on the foods outlined above can help you maintain a high quality of life.