Eat Your Way to Healthy Joints

Eat Your Way to Healthy Joints

Patients have often asked me what kinds of food to eat for healthy joints and what type of food to avoid.  As a chiropractor, I have a responsibility of not only adjusting my patients but also informing my patients about the importance of certain food towards their healing. 

Although not an exhaustive list, foods that contain the following and its example should be considered: 

• Omega-3 Fatty acids- Salmon, mackerel, herring, flaxseed oil.
• Fiber- Brown rice, brown rice, quinoa.
• Sulfur- Eggs, leeks, onions, garlic, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower.
• Anthocyanin- Cherries, plums, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, avocado.
• Calcium and Vitamin D- Yogurt, kale, collard greens, and other dark leafy greens.

So, what are foods that you should avoid?

•  Simple carbohydrates- white bread, crackers, white rice, cookies, and breakfast cereals.
• Refined sugars.
• Unhealthy fats-  partially hydrogenated oil, canola oil, corn oil, safflower oil, soy oil, and cotton seed oil.

Bones and muscles are tissues that heal well.  However, the same cannot be said with joints.  In joints, once the damage is done, the inflammatory response may continue for years after the initial injury.  Some food such as the ones mentioned above may help the healing, and some will aggravate the condition further.

If you would like to have more information, please contact our Mississauga chiropractic office at 905-821-4951.  Our health care team would be more than happy to offer you assistance.