Osteoarthritis: 5 foods to relieve pain
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease and is characterized by cartilage destruction that extends to all joint structures (spine, fingers, knees, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle). Its evolution is unpredictable and today there are only symptomatic treatments (analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid infiltration, etc.).
Nevertheless, certain non-drug measures are essential to limit the progression of the disease. In addition to the practice of a regular sporting activity, it is also advisable to monitor your weight and your diet. Some foods are also particularly recommended in case of osteoarthritis:
Turmeric
Turmeric is a healthy spice that is on the rise, due to its many benefits. Besides its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it also has antioxidant properties . According to Doctor Franck Gigon, a specialist in medicinal plants, “ Thousands of studies have been published about it over the past ten years. Its polyphenolic pigments, called curcuminoids, have shown prominent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties .”
Thus turmeric has a real beneficial effect on osteoarthritis and in particular makes it possible to limit the stiffness and pain resulting from this disease .
Ginger
Ginger is a therapeutic food used since ancient times. This pungent and fragrant rhizome has many virtues. In particular, it helps to calm nausea and stimulates the secretion of bile, thus facilitating digestion . Its aphrodisiac properties are particularly well known.
Another advantage of ginger is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to the gingerol, shogaol and zingerone it contains . Therefore this spice is a real ally to fight against joint pain and therefore osteoarthritis.
The cherry
Like all small red fruits, cherries are full of antioxidants. Good to know: the tart cherry, the one used to make juice for example, is five times richer in antioxidants than the sweet cherry .
It is the anthocyamines in the tart cherry that give it its antioxidant properties . If you have difficulty finding this fresh fruit, do not hesitate to buy it in the form of juice. This drink is also acclaimed by athletes to relieve their pain in the joints. So if you suffer from osteoarthritis do not hesitate to drink it.
Nuts
Omega 3 helps fight inflammation. And that’s good because nuts contain a large amount! It is distinguished from other nuts and oilseeds by its particularly high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly in the form of omega-3 .
Do not hesitate to introduce nuts into your diet daily: they will relieve your joint pain linked to osteoarthritis. Know that this oleaginous fruit contains the ideal proportion of omega-3 fatty acids (compared to omega-6 fatty acids) to have in our diet .
The cabbage
Cabbage is part of the cruciferous family. This vegetable is rich in vitamins B1, B6, C, K, iron and manganese but also in antioxidants is particularly recommended as part of an anti-osteoarthritis diet.
Ideally, cabbage should be eaten raw or very undercooked, because it loses certain health properties (glucosinolates) during cooking . Even if the variety richest in antioxidants is kale, don’t hesitate to eat Brussels sprouts, kale, red cabbage, cauliflower…
