Introduction
Osteoarthritis is a wear-related, progressive disease of joints that can often only be treated symptomatically. In addition to painkillers and physical therapy, an appropriate diet has been recommended for some time. This can positively influence the course of the arthrosis and alleviate the symptoms.
The diet includes the increased intake of food that is healthy for joints and cartilage. At the same time, foods that are rather harmful to the joints and cartilage are avoided. However, the most important goal is to lose weight through diet and thus reduce the stress on the joints.
If a patient becomes aware that he or she can positively influence his or her illness through diet, the first question that arises is: What should one pay attention to? The first thing to say about the diet in osteoarthritis is that it is debatable whether it can actually improve the course and symptoms of the disease. Nevertheless, logical considerations and experience speak for a positive effect through the intake of healthier nutrients and above all through weight loss.
One should nevertheless bear in mind that one should not expect a miracle cure and that conventional measures must be continued under medical supervision. Therefore, a good diet for osteoarthritis does not replace regular visits to the doctor. Likewise, it cannot be guaranteed that the disease will not progress and that an arthrosis operation may be necessary.
When changing the diet, care should be taken to ensure that a balanced diet is maintained in order to avoid deficiency symptoms. In addition, it must be noted that only a special diet can have a positive effect on osteoarthritis. In general, this consists increasingly of plant products. Attention is paid to an increased intake of antioxidants, which can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Recommended foods for osteoarthritis
There are many recommended foods in the diet for osteoarthritis. What they have in common is that they either have an anti-inflammatory effect or are important for good bone or cartilage substance. It is also important to note that recommended foods contain many vitamins and minerals and are low-calorie alternatives to conventional food.
The basis of a healthy diet for osteoarthritis is a sufficient fluid intake of at least 1.5-2 L of water per day. As recommended foods, fruit and vegetables also play an important role. One should consume 3-5 portions of them daily.
Vitamins C, E and D in particular can have a positive influence on arthrosis. Vitamin C has an anti-inflammatory effect and is tissue-protective by intercepting free radicals. Recommended foods in this respect are paprika, kiwi or lemon.
Vitamin E, which is found in vegetable oils and wheat grain, is just as well suited to the nutritional requirements of osteoarthritis. Vitamin D, together with calcium, is indispensable for a good bone structure and therefore extremely important. The need can be covered with low-fat milk products.
That a calorie-poor nutrition is important with Arthrose explains itself by the weight loss hoped for thereby. Overweight is the most negative influence on arthrosis. To cover the energy requirement, almost all whole grain products are recommended foods in the diet.
They are more sustainable and thus avoid large peaks of insulin, which helps in losing weight. In addition, whole grain bread contains more minerals, vitamins and healthy fatty acids. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have an overall positive effect on the body.
For example through their heart-protective function. Unsaturated fatty acids are also found in lean fish and vegetable fats. So once a week fish should stand on the menu.
Beyond that it is worthwhile itself to change for cooking to sunflower or rapeseed oil instead of butter. Studies have shown that eating leek, onion and garlic as part of a diet has a positive effect on osteoarthritis. Recommended foods can possibly be optimized by dietary supplements. For example, daily intake of chondroitin sulfate or glucosamine sulfate is said to improve the course of arthrosis. However, they do not replace a balanced, sensible diet and should only be taken as a supporting measure.
All articles in this series:
