At Central Orthopedic Group, our goal is to alleviate our patient’s arthritis pain. Many things can influence our joints and our joint pain. But can a change in your diet ease your arthritis pain? Yes it can! Here, we have discussed some changes to your diet that can reduce arthritis pain.
How Your Diet Can Affect Your Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints are some of the reasons you experience pain from arthritis. Furthermore, one of the most common places for arthritis pain is the elbow. This is due to the constant bending of the arm and the common use of repetitive motions. For example, activities such as gardening, golfing, tennis, etc. can cause pain in the elbow.
By consuming foods that limit inflammation, you can decrease your arthritis pain. Below, we have listed some simple adjustments that will help ease your arthritis pain.
1. Add Coconut Oil to Your Diet
Coconut oil offers many benefits. One of these benefits is easing arthritis pain. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which possess antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Meaning, by regularly taking coconut oil you are ingesting an antibiotic and anti-fungal medication that works subtly and harmlessly in your body to protect you.
Furthermore, there are many ways to take coconut oil. Aside from ingesting, it can also be used as a mouthwash. Since oral infections are problematic for arthritis, coconut oil will help heal the mouth. This will deter the toxic build up in the blood and inflammation of the joints that occurs.
Additionally, coconut oil can be added to food directly. And, depending on the type (extra-virgin, virgin, raw, etc.), you can taste the “coconut-ness” or not. It can even be a delicious addition to coffee; simply use it in place of sugar for a rich, flavorful additive!
2. Incorporate Fatty Acids into Your Diet
One common fatty acid is Omega 3. Omega 3’s have positive effects in everyone’s life. It acts as a natural mood brightener, encourages heart health, brain growth, and more. Moreover, they are able to reduce joint stiffness and associated pain.
Omega 3’s is found in fish oil supplements and in fish itself. Also, it’s found in certain seaweeds and plankton. Salmon and sardines are good options when choosing to get benefits from fish directly. However, be careful with ingesting too much fish or fish oil supplements as there is a risk of mercury build up in the body. Keep in mind: the larger the fish, the more mercury it is likely to contain.
GLA, or Gamma-Linolenic Acid, is another fatty acid that is very helpful for those suffering from arthritis. GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid. And, it is specifically noted as the “anti-inflammatory essential fat.” Furthermore, it is helpful for all people (especially women) whether they struggle with arthritis pain or not.
GLA can help many ailments. This includes: reduce the impact of inflammation from cardiovascular diseases, increase lung function, ease PMS, eczema and dermatitis, and aid in autoimmune conditions. And, some studies suggest it can be an anticancer agent as well as help with diabetes.
Where can you find GLA naturally? This Omega 6 can be found in hemp, black currants, borage, and evening primrose. The most common supplements derive the fatty acid from borage or evening primrose oil.
3. Add a Dash of Turmeric to Your Dinner
A spice common to Indian dishes, turmeric has a rather mellow taste. It contains a natural chemical called curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory agent. By adding this to your food, the anti-inflammatory properties may be able to ease arthritis pain.
**Supplements & Your Doctor
As with all supplements and dietary changes, you should always confer with your primary care doctor before starting.
Central Orthopedic Group Is Here for You!
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! When life gives you arthritis, seek the best in treatment. You do not need to grit and bare the pain. We can help you find a reprieve and get back to living your life pain free. Contact our doctors at Central Orthopedic Group to discuss how we can help you get back to your life through non-surgical, physical therapy, and surgical options.