Joint pain is a serious issue as you age – just like the rest of our body – our joints tend to wear down and in some cases, simply wear out. However, there are some healthy foods you can eat that can help to alleviate some of that joint pain – possibly even end it completely.
1. Avocados:
These contain fats that are good for you and including them in your diet can also help to relieve some of the joint pain you experience. This happens because your immune system produces damaging compounds – cytokines and prostaglandins – both of which cause inflammation that in turn will damage the cartilage in your joints.
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
We all know that extra virgin olive oil is better for you than other oils, but it is also high in oleocanthal. This is known to work much like an anti-inflammatory medicine – it reduces the pain that comes with sore joints. The best part is, that, unlike over-the-counter pain medications, extra virgin olive oil doesn’t come with any negative side effects.
3. Peaches and Mangos
Who knew that eating about a cup each day of peaches or mangos can help to relieve the joint stiffness that you suffer from daily? It’s true. They contain a compound known as beta-cryptoxanthin that not only reduces the inflammation in the joints but it can also help to heal cartilage that has been damaged over the years.
4. Yogurt
People tend to gravitate to yogurt a lot of the time simply because it’s a quick and easy breakfast or snack. However, it can also help reduce the swelling and stiffness that occur in your joints. If you enjoy yogurt and want to get the full effect of it make sure you buy the type which has live active cultures. Quick food and good for you too – it’s a win-win!
5. Onions
While a lot of us are not onion fans, they do have their health benefits so they shouldn’t be discounted as a “good” food. Much like peaches and mangos, onions can also help to rebuild damaged cartilage and they can help protect the already existing cartilage to keep it from wearing down.
6. Eggshell Membrane
Yes, that really is a thing and you can get it as a supplement to take daily. It has been shown to be a healing aid for damaged cartilage and a lot of people actually use it.
While most of the foods listed above are foods you can buy every day in the grocery store, the eggshell membrane is a supplement and, as with any type of supplement you take, you should ask your doctor about taking it before you start.
Eating healthy has become more and more popular these days, but there are so many more benefits to eating healthy than just trying to lose weight or stay thin. By eating healthy you can improve the inside of your body as well as the outside. Anti-aging is about your entire self – not just your skin and how you look. It’s also about how you feel.
