Diet for Degenerative Disorders and Pain of the Knee

Diet influences our health, and it is important to have a good diet to remain healthy and active. Most people find that adopting certain changes in their diet can help prevent degenerative bone disorders like osteoarthritis, ostoporosis and associated pain.
Even though it is not possible that a specific diet can cure these degenerative disorders, but it can surely improve symptoms like pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Inflammation in the body, high cholesterol levels, and being overweight can cause damage to the bone and cause pain.

Some of the dietary factors that can help improve knee pain due to degenerative disorders are listed below:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  Consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can boost immune function and stop the damage caused to the tissues. Fish oil and Flax seeds are important sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can improve symptoms like morning stiffness, and tenderness of joints by suppressing the production of inflammatory compounds.

• Probiotics Probiotics are full of beneficial bacteria that play a considerable role in inflammation. Taking probiotics daily reduces common biomarkers of inflammation including C-reactive protein.
• Flavonoid-rich Fruits and Vegetables

  Most fruits and vegetables are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants that can function as “biological response modifiers.” They possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anticancer properties that can modify the body's reaction to foreign compounds. So, try consuming fresh fruits and vegetables as much as you can.

• Vitamin C & Vitamin D Rich Foods Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that provides anti-inflammatory action by increasing SOD activity and lowering histamine levels. Vitamin C-rich foods include broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and berries. Whereas Vitamin D supplements like milk, yogurt, and cheese can help increase bone strength and muscle strength which may prevent painful symptoms.

Also Read: Best Doctor for Knee Replacement Surgeon in South Delhi

Foods to Avoid in Knee Pain

• Sugar

  Sweetened beverages like soda, coffee, sweet tea, juice drinks, and flavored coffees can trigger inflammatory mediators in the body worsening the inflammatory conditions.

• Saturated Fat Foods high in saturated fat can trigger inflammation in the fat tissue increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other associated conditions like degenerative disorders of bone.
• Refined Carbohydrates Foods like white bread, rice and potato chips are rich in refined carbohydrates, that fuel the production of advanced glycation end (AGE) oxidants which in turn stimulate the inflammatory pathways worsening the symptoms of knee pain.

Also Read: Importance of Calcium for Bone Health