NUTRITION
The foods you eat serve as building blocks your body uses to repair natural wear to organs, muscles, and joints. Although there is no single diet that will cure joint damage, eating the right balance of foods can help you to maintain healthier, more flexible joints. Your orthopedic surgeon can help you determine which foods are most beneficial for your specific musculoskeletal health needs.
Diet and Body Weight
Your diet plays a significant role in your overall health and body weight. Excess weight places additional strain on your joints, making them work harder, deteriorate faster, and feel more painful. Several studies have linked high BMI, or body mass index, to osteoarthritis caused by wear and tear on the joints. These studies have found that not only weight-bearing joints, but all joints are negatively affected by excess body weight. By changing your diet to ensure you are not eating an excess of calories, sugars, or fats, you can eliminate excess weight and maintain a healthy BMI that will help to keep your joints in better condition.
Diet and Healthy Joints
Diet can also provide nutrients essential to healthy joints. Calcium, which is found in many dairy products, helps the body maintain strong bones. Vitamin D is essential for effective absorption of calcium, and can be found in dairy, salmon, and eggs. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered healthy fats that reduce inflammation and pain in the joints associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These polyunsaturated fats can be found in many fish, such as tuna, salmon, and halibut. Additionally, your joint-healthy diet should consist of limiting sugars and fats to maintain a healthy weight.
March is National Nutrition Month—we invite you to join Blackstone Orthopedics & Sports Medicine of Providence in developing a healthier diet for a healthier body. Call (800) 725-3037 to learn more about how we can help you maintain healthy joints, muscles, and bones. You can find more tips on living a healthier lifestyle through diet and physical activity by clicking through the articles on our blog.
