Foods That Fight Inflammation and Joint Pain
Clear Lake Chiropractor Comments: Most patients that come to our Houston, TX office have some form of joint pain or inflammation of muscles and tendons. They are looking for some way to get healthier without having to rely on drugs to feel better. Diet plays a strong role in reducing your inflammation and pain.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, and those high in antioxidants such as berries, dark leafy greens, and cherries, can help fight inflammation and joint pain. Other beneficial foods include olive oil, nuts, seeds, beans, and spices like turmeric and ginger. Incorporating these foods into an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms. In addition, you should avoid processed foods, refined sugars and saturated fats.
Foods to Include
Fatty Fish
Salmon, trout, sardines, and mackerel are high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Berries and Cherries
These fruits are packed with antioxidants like anthocyanidins and polyphenols, which reduce inflammation.
Leafy Greens
Spinach, broccoli and kale are rich in Vitamin K and antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contain phytochemicals like sulforaphane which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive Oil
This healthy fat contains oleocanthal, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts and flax seeds provide anti-inflammatory ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and lignans.
Turmeric and Ginger
These spices contain curcumin and gingerol, respectively, which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Beans and Legumes
Kidney beans, black beans, and lentils are good sources of antioxidants and minerals.
Green Tea
The EGCG in green tea can help slow cartilage breakdown and reduce inflammation.
Garlic and Onions
These allium vegetables contain compounds that may help limit cartilage-damaging enzymes.
Dietary Approach
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
Consider adopting a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and fish.
- Variety is Key:
Combine various anti-inflammatory foods throughout the day to maximize benefits.
- Preparation:
For seeds, grind them to release their beneficial oils.
- Nightshades:
While most people tolerate nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant), they can cause issues for some, so pay attention to your own body’s response.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Do Weather Patterns Worsen Your Pain
Houston Chiropractor Comments: In the fall and winter, when weather changes quickly and often in Texas, patients ask if it is true that weather causes joint pain. It is not an old wives’ tale, it is true.
People with arthritis and joint conditions can tell you when the weather is going to change. They will tell you that they feel it in their bones. Cold and damp weather can aggravate joint pain, especially in people with arthritic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, or even post-traumatic arthritis.
The main reason for this seems to be a dropping of the barometric pressure. This decreasing pressure allows the tissues in the body to swell. This can irritate your joints. This pain is felt even more if the change in pressure is very rapid, such as when a rain or cold front blows in rapidly.
A cold front will worsen the symptoms due to a constricting of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow.
To help minimize this weather induced pain, there are a few things that you can do.
First, receive regular chiropractic care and stretch. This will help decrease the pressure on the joints and make sure that the muscles are pulling evenly. Second, stay warm. Dress warmly and if needed, warm up your car before driving. Minimize your joint swelling by wearing compression gloves and stockings and use ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications. Finally, stay active. Remember that movement is medicine. This will keep the synovial fluid moving in your joints.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
