Your diet can greatly affect your body’s healing power and overall health. That’s why we recommend that patients in our OsteoArthritis treatment program eat certain foods that can aid in the healing process and reduce swelling. Swelling is a major component of OsteoArthritis, causing discomfort in the knees. Stiffness is another common complaint among our OsteoArthritis patients, so rather than loading up on over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, here are a few foods you can add to your diet to make sure you’re giving your body the best fighting chance against OA.
• Fish From salmon to sardines, fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids. Along with their natural ability to lower blood pressure and help other health issues, they can reduce stiffness in joints, making it easier for you to participate in your OsteoArthritis program. Make yourself a pescatarian (fish as the main course) dinner 3 times a week to up your omega-3 fatty acids and enjoy more relief.
• Nuts Much like fish, nuts also contain omega-3 fatty acids. These can be added to meals or snacked on throughout the day. Almonds are a great choice and also a good replacement for other processed, unhealthy snacks. Full of antioxidants, nuts can help your body naturally repair and fight damage caused by OsteoArthritis.
• Olive Oil Next time you stick a chicken breast in the oven or cook a pork chop on the stove top, add some olive oil to the mix. Substituting vegetable oil with olive oil can help reduce inflammation in your joints and it is heart healthy, too. There are quite a few healthy and delicious recipes for salad dressings using olive oil as well. Give up the ranch and Italian dressings for the healthier, oil based alternative.
We recommend that each of our OsteoArthritis patients consider their diet when beginning our treatment program. The best thing you can do for your body is fuel it with healthy foods that will promote healing and get you back on your feet. If you are suffering from OsteoArthritis and don’t want to resort to painful surgery with long recovery times, visit us at Arrowhead Health Centers to learn more about our OsteoArthritis treatment in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Surprise/Sun City. Together, we can have you back to normal activity, enjoying the active lifestyle you are meant to live.
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