15 very common foods that can be helpful in relieving joint pain

Joint pain affects one or more joints in the body and can actually be physically disabling in the long run.

If you suffer from joint pain due to injury or simply suffer from chronic arthritis, you will surely know something about the topic of this article.

Certainly, we can resort to natural anti-inflammatory remedies and some massages to relieve the discomfort that these pains cause us every day, but not only. 

There are also some foods and in particular some spices, which act as natural remedies. According to some studies, in fact, even if there is no perfect diet to eliminate joint pain, there are at least 15 foods that we should consume often, which help us to alleviate this daily suffering.

via healthline.com

Fruit

Pixabay

It is well known that fruit is rich in vitamins that our body craves, but there are some fruits that provide more benefits than others. In particular: 

• Grapes: This fruit contains a plant compound called proanthocyanidin, which reduces inflammation and joint pain. 

• Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is important for our immune system and helps prevent inflammatory arthritis and joint pain. 

• Cherries: In particular, unsweetened cherry juice has excellent effects on people suffering from osteoarthritis. A study conducted on women with this disease showed that after drinking sour cherry juice for only 3 weeks, joint inflammation was significantly reduced.

Vegetables

Pexels

Eating vegetables, both cooked and raw, are good for your health - and they must absolutely not be missing from your diet! 

• Spinach: are rich in antioxidants and a compound, kaempferol, which reduces inflammation, pain, and slows down the progression of arthrosis.

• Broccoli: contain sulforaphane which helps relieve joint pain and helps to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Soybeans: are low in fat and rich in protein and fiber; they contain omega-3 fatty acids that help relieve joint pain (NB: This does not apply to soy-based products which, on the other hand, are rich in sugar and salt). 

• Red beans: are rich in fiber, which lowers the levels of C-reactive protein, in the same way as whole foods; they are also rich in proteins, folic acid, iron, magnesium and potassium that stimulate our immune system.

Spices

picryl

Not only do spices add a flavor to food dishes, they are also very beneficial! 

• Saffron or turmeric: act as anti-inflammatory agents and help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have shown that crocin, which is one of the main saffron compounds, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, making it very effective in people suffering from joint pain. 

• Ginger: A study on the effects of ginger on people who have suffered from knee joint pain showed that after using it for a while, 63% of patients reported a decisive improvement in pain. 

• Garlic: in addition to lowering blood pressure and helping to prevent heart disease, according to research studies, garlic has strong anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the symptoms of osteoarthritis. 

• Green tea: is mainly known for its ability to accelerate metabolism and its antioxidant qualities. Furthermore, it contains a compound called polyphenolic which acts as an anti-inflammatory and relieves pain. Another study showed that epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which is contained in green tea, stops joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Other foods

Wikimedia

• Fish and fish oil: Several varieties of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and trout, and their fish oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help fight inflammation and immediately reduce joint pain. Their high amounts of vitamin D also help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and similar diseases. 

• Whole foods: whole foods such as pasta, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole grains, due to their composition, lower the levels of C-reactive protein, which is related to various diseases, including arthritis. 

• Dairy products low in fat: Yogurt, milk, and cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which strengthen bones and the immune system. They help curb pain caused by osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. 

• Nuts, pistachios, and almonds: All dried fruit is very nutritious, but walnuts, pistachios, and almonds contain very high amounts of calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, proteins and alpha-linolenic that enhance the immune system. Specifically, walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain.