Diet for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear of the joints that exceeds the level typical for old age. At the same time, the disease is not a disease of old age. The likelihood that the joints will wear out naturally increases with age. But age-independent factors, such as joint malpositions, osteoporosis and a heavy load due to excess weight, also influence the condition of the joint. Joint wear is not reversible. This means that cartilage that has once perished cannot grow back. However, a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition can prevent the progression of the disease or prevent osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis - risk factor obesity
One of the biggest risk factors of osteoarthritis is being overweight. The higher the body weight, the greater the risk of joint wear. Especially with truncal obesity, the joints of the lower extremities are extremely stressed. The balance between back muscles and abdominal muscles is disturbed. This alters the body's center of gravity, resulting in excessive stress on the knee joint. Overweight people therefore often suffer from knee joint arthrosis. However, osteoarthritis even shows up in joints that are not actually stressed by the weight.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis diminish with weight reduction. One of the reasons for this is that body fat releases inflammation-mediating substances such as leptin, adiponectin or resistin. These substances can cause inflammation and increase the pain in the worn joints.

Healthy diet for osteoarthritis
There is no special arthrosis diet that makes the symptoms of arthrosis disappear completely. However, a healthy diet can have a positive influence on the course of the disease. Foods with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids not only have an anti-inflammatory effect, they also show a positive influence on the consistency of the joint cartilage. These foods include in particular fatty cold-water fish such as halibut or mackerel and cold-pressed oils such as linseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil or rapeseed oil. In addition, attention should be paid to an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables. As a rule of thumb, three handfuls of vegetables and two handfuls of fruit per day are sufficient. This ensures an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper and selenium are particularly important. Many fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants. Antioxidants can render free radicals harmless. These free radicals are often involved in inflammatory processes and can cause lasting damage to body structures.
Complex carbohydrate sources such as millet, brown rice or potatoes are also recommended.

Osteoarthritis - an acidification problem
From the point of view of alternative medicine, arthrosis is the result of years of hyperacidity. In the case of osteoarthritis, a diet particularly rich in bases is therefore recommended. Tea mixtures with caraway, anise, fennel or licorice are suitable for deacidification. Plants that stimulate kidney and liver activity can also be helpful. These include dandelion, goldenrod, birch, milk thistle or yarrow. Detoxifying plants help the body eliminate harmful substances. Alternatively, ready-made alkaline powder can be used for deacidification. This is available in pharmacies or drugstores.

Herbs against osteoarthritis
The main symptom of osteoarthritis is pain. Often, this pain is triggered by inflammation. For pain relief, nature offers numerous anti-inflammatory plants. Parsley, dill, mint, oregano, rosemary and thyme can be used as a tea mixture. Food can also be spiced up nicely with these tasty spice plants. Turmeric, ginger, marjoram, chervil, cinnamon and chili should also be in the kitchen of every arthritis patient.
Furthermore, green tea can mitigate the inflammatory processes that accompany osteoarthritis. This effect can be further enhanced by the addition of fresh lemon juice.

Beware of certain foods
Only a permanent change in diet can improve osteoarthritis symptoms. Some foods should be completely eliminated from the diet. Animal fats are at the top of the list. Pork in particular should be avoided. But even beef should only be eaten in moderation.
Likewise, sausage, sweets, sugar, strawberries, tomatoes, margarine, butter and eggs belong on the red list. Coffee, black tea and alcohol can also negatively influence the course of osteoarthritis.
Of course, such restrictions are not always possible. A small sin now and then is certainly allowed, but should be generously compensated by alkaline foods or alkaline tea.