We’ve heard the saying ‘you are what you eat’ a hundred times before. Our mothers and father and our grandparents loved to throw the saying around during dinner and breakfast but what do they really mean? The food we consume isn’t simply to fill up our stomachs; it’s rich in natural, organic vitamins and the nutrients our bodies need to remain fit and healthy. You may have heard many times about the ‘balanced diet’, about reducing fat, salt and sugar to reduce body weight, but what about your bones and joints?
Foods rich in calcium are perfect for joint repair. It plays a key role in helping our bones remain strong and durable, that goes for our cartilage too – the fluid between our joints which prevents our bones from wearing down. What you may not know is that calcium isn’t the only vitamin that can help keep our joints fit and healthy.
Antioxidants are our Friends
Some fruit, vegetables and meats provide essential anti-flammatory and pain-relieving properties which can be very beneficial in aiding the relief of pain in our joints. One of these pain-relieving properties is the group known as Antioxidants. Antioxidants include:
- Vitamin C- fruit such as oranges, grapefruit and raspberries are packed high with vitamin C as are vegetables such as broccoli and red peppers.
- Vitamin E- a lesser spoken about vitamin, vitamin E can be found in whole-grain breads, cereals and avocados.
- Selenium- You may not have heard of Selenium but we’re sure you’ve eaten foods full of it. Salmon, brown rice, and Brazil nuts give you a healthy dose of this helpful antioxidant.
Fatty Acids aren’t very fatty
Sometimes when we hear the word ‘fat’ we automatically associate it to ill health. This really isn’t the case and a healthy dose of fatty acids are perfect for keeping your joints strong and healthy. Omega-3, you may not realise, is a perfect example of this; the acid helps to reduce the swelling and discomfort of painful joints.
- Fatty fish such as tuna and salmon are a perfect source of fatty acids as are;
- Green vegetables
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whole grains
Supplements aren’t scary
Many people shy away from vitamins and nutrients found in boxes on drug store shelves. Uncertainty can leave them nervous about getting the right vitamins for their bodies. Supplements containing Glucosamine-based dietary supplements can greatly help to reduce pain in your joints. Glucosamine is natural for our bodies and can help us maintain our joint cartilage which, during diseases such as osteoarthritis, can be worn away, exposing the bone of our hip joints and causing discomfort and limited movements.
Changing our diet to help ease or slow down such diseases may only work so long before an alternative course of action needs to be taken. If you find you’re in need of hip replacement surgery in London or require replacement surgery on other joints, don’t hesitate to contact us today on 07943 947 639.
