Foods to Eat for Osteoarthritis
If you are experiencing symptoms and complications of osteoarthritis, a change in your diet may be recommended by your doctor. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a type that gradually wears down the protective cartilage that protects bones. Osteoarthritis can affect several joints (i.e., spine, hands, knees, and hips, etc.) and doctors may recommend prescription medications for psoriatic arthritis—such as Apremilast (Otezla) and Guselkumab (Tremfya) prescriptions. Thankfully, many foods may help reduce inflammation and arthritis symptoms, and actually help prevent osteoarthritis in the first place. Here are some foods that help to prevent osteoarthritis:
1. Honey
There is no doubt that honey is very beneficial to overall health. As a natural antibacterial food, honey is linked to reducing joint and encouraging new formation of cartilage in osteoarthritis patients.
2. Blackberries
People who suffer from osteoarthritis often turn to blackberries for their antioxidant prowess. In fact, blackberries have been associated with reducing inflammation and slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis. In fact, dark berries like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries are shown to decrease arthritis-related inflammatory markers in lab studies.
3. Broccoli
If you have arthritis, you probably know about the importance of eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruit. Although many foods don’t agree with the arthritis sufferer, broccoli has many health benefits and can help to prevent the progression of the disease. Studies point out that diets rich in cruciferous vegetables (i.e., broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage) encourage the release of sulforaphane, a natural compound that blocks inflammation by slowing down the destruction of cartilage in joints.
4. Carrots
Carrots and other orange-hued veggies, like squash, and sweet potatoes, are great options for antiinflammatory diets for arthritis sufferers. Why? These veggies are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, both potent inflammation fighters.
5. Cherries
Cherries are often recommended for a variety of arthritic conditions (i.e., gout, etc.). These fruits are rich in antioxidants for treating pain, decreasing inflammation, and protecting the body from cancer-causing agents.