Arthritis Health Center

Caring for Your Joints

Eating Right Nourishes Joints

A healthy, balanced diet helps build strong bones. Strong bones can keep you on your feet, and prevent falls that may lead to joint damage. Make sure you get plenty of calcium every day. You can do this by  eating foods such as yogurt, broccoli, kale, figs, and dairy if you don't have a dairy intolerance or allergy.  If those foods don't tempt your taste buds, ask your doctor if calcium supplements are right for you.

Recent research indicates that a diet that contains the proper amount of vitamin D is important for good bone and joint health. Adequate vitamin D allows calcium from the foods you eat to be readily absorbed, so you may not need calcium supplements.  You should ask your doctor about the proper amount of vitamin D and ways you can get it.

Oranges may also give your joints a healthy boost. Some studies suggest that vitamin C and other antioxidants can help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

Salmon is particularly beneficial for your joints. Not only is it a good source of calcium, it also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s promote healthy joints and reduce joint pain and swelling in people with arthritis. Mackerel is another source of omega-3s. You can also get omega-3s by taking good  fish oil capsules. Read the label for how much Omega 3’s are in them.