Osteoarthritis in the knee is the most common form of arthritis. While medications can help to control symptoms on a short-term basis, it is important to know that there are ways to make a lasting, healthy change using diet.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to alleviate pressure on the knees, but there are certain substances in foods that may also affect the body in a way that could help relieve inflammation and pain.

Osteoarthritis in the knee is the most common form of arthritis. While medications can help to control symptoms on a short-term basis, it is important to know that there are ways to make a lasting, healthy change using diet.

Weight Control To Reduce Joint Pain

Being overweight is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis. Theoretically, losing just a few pounds might help to diminish the discomfort. Simply put, weight loss reduces the stress on joints. Studies have found that a loss of just ONE pound of body weight can reduce the load on the knees by FOUR pounds.

Also, maintaining a desirable weight can reduce the chances of ever developing the disease. Your best chance of reaching and maintaining that healthy weight is to engage in regular physical activity with a combination of aerobic and strength training exercises.

Foods That May Increase Inflammation

• Eating foods that are highly processed, such as pasta, bread, and those things containing gluten, can create inflammation in the body. This inflammation then may lead to actual physical pain that you may feel in your knees and other joints since the joints are particularly vulnerable to inflammation.
• Many people find that dairy products are also inflammatory. Choosing to eat these types of foods long term, means more and more inflammation throughout the body and ultimately more pain.

Foods That Are Anti-inflammatory

• Eating a diet consisting of anti-inflammatory foods provides the body with nutrients that are critical for keeping pain at bay. These foods may also help your body build the cartilage and ligaments that will support healthy joints.
• Wild-caught salmon, dark leafy greens, tuna, onions, garlic, walnuts, berries, pineapple, meats from grass-fed animals, organic eggs from pastured hens, have all been proven to reduce pain associated with inflammation.

4 Supplements That Are Anti-Inflammatory

1. Fish Oil. Fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in several diseases and conditions. Food that contains omega-3 fatty acids includes fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel and have fantastic anti-inflammatory properties. If you don’t prefer or enjoy fish, you can easily get the benefits of omega-3s by taking a fish oil supplement.
2. Ginger. Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is accepted both as a supplement (look for 100 to 225 mg capsules) and in freshly grated form. But those who take blood-thinning medications should avoid ginger as they interact with each other.
3. Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements actually promote cartilage formation and repair.
4. Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for people with joint pain as research shows that people with low levels of vitamin D may have more joint pain than those with healthy levels. 

The Takeaway: Does Nutrition Affect Knee Pain?

While short-term inflammation protects the body, chronic inflammation can lead to long-term pain and damage, such as arthritis. Millions of people suffer from debilitating knee pain thanks to osteoarthritis. Indeed, certain foods can help relieve knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis. Take a moment to evaluate your diet if you suffer from knee pain to see what changes you can make that will help your joint pain!

If you are interested in learning more about health and wellness, I encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted practitioners at SHIN Wellness. We offer many holistic treatments such as Decompression Therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Neurofeedback, Psychology, Reiki, Nutrition, Corrective Exercises, and Massage. If you need some help figuring out what service is right for you, try our personalized consultation. Our Wellness Center and Chiropractor office in Miami Florida specializes in restoring your health!