8 Best Foods for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect anyone regardless of age and gender. It could be caused by untreated or severe injury, obesity, and genetic predisposition. Osteoarthritis also occurs as a result of age-related oxidative stress. Free radicals attack healthy cells leading to damage to the cartilage. As we age, our cells become weakened and, thus, more prone to oxidative stress.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition can damage any joint, but it typically occurs in the back, knees, hips, and hands. Osteoarthritis can cause joints swelling and stiffness, loss of flexibility, bone spurs, knee, hand hip, or spinal pain.

Fortunately, antioxidants can protect you from free radicals. Antioxidants are naturally found in colorful fruits and vegetables and some other healthy foods. This means a proper diet can protect you from damage and stop the progression of osteoarthritis. Here are eight foods packed with antioxidants that can help you combat oxidative stress and relieve osteoarthritis symptoms:

Beets are full of antioxidants which makes them beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. Most of the antioxidants are contained in their red pigment. Beets can provide your body with antioxidant vitamins C and A.

These veggies are also a great source of other essential nutrients, like folate, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. A serving of beets has four grams of dietary fiber that improves gut health. The gut is the immune organ that's crucial for the maintenance of overall health.

Eating only 1.5 ounces of nuts can enrich your body with antioxidants necessary for bone and joint health. The healthiest nuts include walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds. But it's important not to overeat nuts since they contain lots of fats. Excessive weight puts extra pressure on your joints making them more susceptible to damage.

Tart cherries can also help you fight osteoarthritis. They also have red pigment full of antioxidants. Consider eating fresh cherries instead of drinking commercial juices. Juices are full of sugar that weakens the immune system and increases the risk of oxidative stress.

Olive oil is another excellent source of antioxidants and oleocanthal that can be a good addition to your anti-inflammatory diet. Oleocanthal's effects are equal to the effects of ibuprofen but oleocanthal has no side effects.

Cranberries have been shown to fight urinary tract infections. These berries are also a good source of anthocyanins, powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Anthocyanins are contained in most dark berries and fruits.

Broccoli contains big amounts of antioxidant vitamin C. Broccoli also possesses carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene that act as powerful antioxidants. You can eat broccoli raw or steam them. According to a study published in Bioscience Horizons in 2012 cooking can lower broccoli's antioxidant content but more research is needed.

Like broccoli, oranges are rich in vitamin C. Getting enough vitamin C is a good way to destroy free radicals, that could damage your cartilage and lead to joint inflammation and pain. Other citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits can also provide you with high doses of vitamin C.

Spinach and other dark leafy greens, like kale, cabbage, and watercress are antioxidant-rich foods. When making a salad, don't forget to add dark greens to it. The darker the green color, the more antioxidants you can get. According to the Arthritis Foundation, consuming nine or more servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables a day can have positive effects on your joint and bone health as well as on your overall health.

Having osteoarthritis can be exhausting, but eating an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich diet can help keep your joints and bones strong. You can also talk with your physician about other ways to relieve arthritis symptoms and reduce pain. 

Additional foods found post publish which are thought to help alleviate the symptoms of Arthritis. More here >>

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