Exploring the Connection Between Diet and Osteoarthritis

This article was published on: 01/9/23 6:37 AM

Last updated on September 27th, 2024 at 11:59 am

What is Diet?

Diet brings up the foods or drinks that are consumed regularly by a person or a group of people. The diet is planned during a specific disease therapy or management according to the health condition of the person. The diet plan should meet the physical needs of an individual. Sometimes diet can also refer to the food and drink a person consumes regularly, as well as the mental and physical circumstances associated with eating. Let’s take an example, diabetics people may have to limit their diet to drinks and foods that assist them to maintain their blood sugar levels. The diet suggested for patients with diabetes includes plenty of fibrous, non-starchy fruits and vegetables. Because starchy meals are rich in carbs, a diabetic’s blood sugar levels may jump if they consume a large amount.

There are several diets based on the type of food consumed, including the fruitarian diet, vegan diet, vegetarian diet, balanced diet, high-in-fiber diet, high-in-calorie diet, low-in-calorie diet, basal diet, and many others.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is identified as the most common type of arthritis. As people get older, they are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. Changes in osteoarthritis frequently occur gradually over several years, with rare exceptions. Bony changes, deterioration of tendons and ligaments, and a breakdown of cartilage, resulting in pain, swelling, and deformity of the joints are the causes of inflammation and injury to the joints.

There are two types of osteoarthritis primary and secondary. Primary is the most frequent, widespread condition that primarily affects the fingers, thumbs, spine, hips, knees, and large toes. The secondary occurs with a pre-existing joint abnormality that includes injury or trauma that is repetitive or sports-related.

Viral arthritis, hereditary joint conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (also known as hypermobility or “double-jointed” arthritis), inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid, psoriatic, or gouty arthritis, congenital joint disorders, or metabolic joint issues.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis you may experience that frequently develop slowly and worsen over time involve Joint pain that may worsen during or after movement. Joint stiffness may be most apparent right after waking up or after inactivity. Sensitivity When you lightly press on or close to your joint, it could feel tender. Loss of adaptability Your joint may not be able to move through its entire range of motion. Gating sensation When you utilize the joint, you could get a grating sensation and hear popping or cracking. Around the afflicted joint, bone spurs extra pieces of bone that feel like hard lumps can develop. Inflammation of the soft tissues around the joint may be the cause of the swelling.

What is the Relationship Between Diet and Osteoarthritis 

The possibility of certain meals or dietary supplements curing osteoarthritis is quite low. But some diets can help people with their osteoarthritis symptoms. While other foods could exacerbate symptoms, some foods have anti-inflammatory properties that might help reduce symptoms.

Reducing inflammation and preventing damage

If the diet is nutritious and well-balanced that helps provide the tools to your body to control further damage to the joints, which is essential for people with osteoarthritis.

Having antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E may help to prevent further damage to your joints. Following an anti-inflammatory diet can helps your symptoms because these foods are proven to decrease inflammatory reactions in the body.

Having a healthy weight

If you are overweight, you will put extra strain on your joints, and eating fat will trigger more inflammation. The signs of osteoarthritis might be lessened by maintaining a healthy weight. For some people maintaining a healthy weight can be very difficult, especially for those with a medical condition that reduces their mobility, such as osteoarthritis. A doctor or dietitian will be able to recommend them.

Reducing cholesterol

People suffering from osteoarthritis are likely to have high blood cholesterol, and if you reduce cholesterol may enable you to improve the symptoms of this disease. On the correct diet, you can swiftly improve your cholesterol levels.

Eat foods to reduce symptoms 

People suffering from osteoarthritis can try adding the following foods to their daily diet to reduce their symptoms:

Milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients will help you to increase bone strength and manage your weight for the low-fat options, which may help you to reduce your symptoms.

Antioxidants called polyphenols, which are rich in green tea may be able to lower inflammation and decrease cartilage deterioration.

Nuts will help you to boosts the immune system and they are good for the heart due to they contain high levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, and fiber. They also contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Broccoli contains a substance called sulforaphane that slows the progression of osteoarthritis. This food is rich in calcium, which supports bone health, as well as vitamins K and C.