What To Eat For Healthy Joints

Joint health is a major concern for many, and with good reason. We’re busier than ever and the last thing anyone wants to deal with is painful or stiff joints. Luckily, there are several lifestyle changes you can easily make to help improve your joint health, including your diet. While you should always consult your doctor about any major changes to your diet, here are some of the best foods to eat to promote healthy joints:

Low Cholesterol Foods

Moderate to high blood levels of cholesterol are commonly known to be associated with variety of serious cardiovascular conditions, but it can surprisingly also have an effect on your joints. Recent studies have even linked elevated blood cholesterol to osteoarthritis. This is theorized to be due to cholesterol accumulating in the tissues of the joints, such as cartilage and tendons, causing inflammation. Some great additions to your diet to reduce cholesterol include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, nuts like pistachios and almonds, oats, and beans.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium, but many people don’t spend enough time in the sun to produce it naturally, making vitamin D deficiency a very common condition with a multitude of symptoms, including joint pain. Some of the foods you can eat to increase your levels of vitamin D include seafood such as salmon, oysters, shrimp, and tuna, egg yolks, and products fortified with vitamin D such as oatmeal, cereals, and dairy products.

Vitamin K

While vitamin K is more recognizable for its role in blood clotting, it’s also a major component in healthy bone and cartilage development. Dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach are common sources of vitamin K, although there’s also substantial amounts in avocado, chicken breast, and beef products.

Collagen

Easily the most popular and identifiable on this list, collagen consumption in both natural and supplementary forms has been shown to improve joint pain and stiffness. Check out our article on collagen to learn all about the easiest ways to include collagen in your diet.