Many body parts, such as your knees, hips, back and neck are all supported by joints. Joints help our bones and muscles to move around and so they are extremely important to look after and keep healthy. Injuries, age and even sitting or standing in certain positions can affect the way our joints work and can prevent our body from moving as naturally as possible. Damaged joints can lead to arthritis or other health problems so it is essential to stock up on foods that are good for joints and bones.
Vitamin C and D for Joints
Vitamin C is brilliant for healthy joints as it is also considered an antioxidant. Increasing foods rich in vitamin C into your diet will help your bones and joints to stay active and ease movement. It is also important, however, to have the right amount of vitamin C in your diet so as not to create more problems for your health as one study showed that extremely high levels of vitamin C can accelerate joint damage. It is recommended that women include up to 75mg of vitamin C in their daily diet while men should consume up to 90mg.
Poor vitamin C intake has been related to an increased risk of arthritis so it is vital to include foods such as red peppers, strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwi and pineapple into your meals so you know you are getting your daily intake of vitamin C naturally.
The other essential vitamin for joints is vitamin D. For healthy bones and joints, the body requires calcium and vitamin D helps the body to absorb this important substance. Vitamin D helps to maintain blood calcium levels as well as regulating the immune system. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition of weak bones. To increase the amount of calcium in the diet, milk, yoghurt and broccoli are great options.
Spending some time in the sun is also a great way to get some vitamin D for your joints into your body. Eating oily fish is another recommendation in order to maintain healthy bones and joints.
Other Foods Good For Joints
Many people who suffer from arthritis can also suffer from anaemia, which is due to a lack of iron. You may be advised by your doctor to increase iron levels for healthy joints to relive pain or reduce risk of either health problem. Try eating more red meat, lentils, haricot beans and green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and watercress.
A mineral known as selenium is good for bones and joints. Selenium helps for a healthy immune system and its most rich sources are Brazil nuts, seafood and organ meats.
Foods To Avoid For Joint Health
It is common for people to suffer from joint discomfort due to many reasons. One way to alleviate the pain is to make sure you include foods rich in vitamins good for your joints within your daily diet. Another way is to try and stay away from foods that can be harmful for your joints. For example, fried food and fast food, alcohol, soda, grain-fed meats and flour-based products all contain inflammatory properties and should be avoided if you have painful joints.
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Although vitamins for healthy joints may not immediately cure any suffering, it has been proven that a healthy diet and increasing the intake of certain vitamins and minerals can reduce inflammation and joint discomfort. Light exercise is also a good way to keep your muscles active and help your joints to maintain their movement. If your joints are painful, applying ice to the area can offer a quick relief.
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