The Diet Link

What you eat directly influences how you feel.  Actually, it influences more than just that.  Your diet has a deep-rooted connection with all aspects of your health, for many reasons.

I like to think there are two main ways in which your joint health and diet correspond:  nutrients, and weight control.  Both can have a profound influence on joint pain levels.  We can say over and over again that eating right can help arthritis, but it doesn’t do a whole lot of good if we don’t really explain it, right?

First off, a well-rounded blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids can help preserve the joints for a longer period.  Vitamin C is useful to slow down degradation of cartilage.  Calcium and Vitamin D help to encourage healthy bones, and healthy bones are vital to healthy joints.  Some B Vitamins have also shown potential to help your joints in the fight against harmful break down.

Oily fish, or just fish oil, are beneficial too, because of their Omega-3 fatty acid content.  Also rich in omega-3’s are flax seeds, walnuts, and some other plant-based sources.  Omega-3’s help to fight inflammation and promote overall joint health.  Other foods that are high on the list for joint health are ginger and dark leafy greens.  Fruits and vegetables in general are good because they contain boron, but the amounts are relatively insignificant.

The weight management factor to your joint health is fairly straight-forward.  The heavier you are, the more stress your joints endure on a day-to-day basis.  Healthy eating habits and a beneficial diet are necessary to maintaining a reasonable weight.  Also, exercise is great for promoting joint health and weight control, especially when paired with a good diet.

We are eaters.  Food is a huge part of our lives.  It’s a huge part of our health and our happiness.  It’s important to understand that the two go hand-in-hand.  Eating right can lead to a better life.  So, if you don’t already think ahead in term of your food, maybe you should.  It could make a bigger difference than you’d think!