Did you know that you can rebuild the joint cartilage naturally?
Bones have several vital functions in the body. They protect organs (like the skull that protects the brain), provide storage for minerals such as calcium, and release a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. Joints are made up of two bones that connect and allow the body to move with ease. Cartilage is a non-vascular type of supporting connective tissue within joints and throughout the body and its functions include the ability to resist compressive forces, provide support on bone areas where there is a need for flexibility and increase bone resilience. Cartilage is soft and flexible and protects the bone from rubbing against each other.
There are a number of disorders that affect the bones and joints and if left untreated can lead to chronic pain and disability.
Types of joint diseases include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Spondylarthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Lupus, Gout, and Bursitis
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases that can severely damage cartilage include Rheumatoid arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Gout, Systemic lupus erythematosus, and seronegative spondyloarthropathies.
For optimal joint function, it is important to defeat inflammation whenever possible, as it is the primary cause of cartilage breakdown. You can beat inflammation by adopting a diet that fights inflammation and supports healthy cartilage regrowth while promoting healthy joint movement. You need to consume nutrients that will nourish the cartilage and prevent its damage.
Diet supporting healthy cartilage includes:
- Dark leafy green vegetables – Vegetables like kale, cabbage, brussels sprouts, lettuce, spinach, and chard are great for joint cartilage. Eat green leafy vegetables whenever you can. You can also make green smoothies and consume them that way.
- Wild-caught fatty fish – Wild-caught fatty fish is loaded with omega3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium. All these nutrients are necessary for cartilage and joints. Include fish like sardines, mackerel, and salmon twice a week in your diet.
- Avocado – Avocados are an excellent source of many nutrients such as monosaturated fats, vitamin K, folic acid, and vitamins C and E. Avocados are full of antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent inflammation. They contain essential fatty acids and beta-sitosterol that recover connective tissues.
- Organic brown rice – Brown rice contains hyaluronic acid which is essential for joint health. Consume brown rice at least once a week.
- Turmeric – Curcumin is an ingredient present in turmeric, and it contributes to reducing joint pain.
- Ginger – Ginger contains active compounds which reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune system.
- Ceylon cinnamon – Regular consumption of cinnamon helps reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels and promote general health.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Contains oleocanthal that inhibits inflammatory enzymes, thus preventing joint inflammation.
- Berries – Berries are the healthiest fruit in the world. They are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote general health and well-being. They can significantly improve joints and cartilage health.
- Green tea – Green tea is full of powerful antioxidants that protect against inflammation and the diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It also improves cognitive functions.
- Kelp and Algae – Algae contain compounds that have antifungal, antitumor, and immune properties.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the form of diet supplement – Glucosamine and chondroitin are used to build cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are natural substances in the body that prevent the degradation of cartilage and stimulate the formation of new cartilage.
Regular physical activity that does not stress the joints such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercises, and dancing promotes joint health and supports your general health and well-being.
Looking for more articles like this? Check these out:
➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.