The balance of microelements primarily influence on the health of joints. For example, many people know that dairy products are beneficial for joints and cartilage. However, the stomach secretes a lot of acid to digest casein, and to balance it, the same calcium is needed that create an alkaline environment. Proper intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals is important.
It has been proven that the main cause of osteoarthritis is the disruption of metabolic processes in cartilage tissues. Moreover, the modern human lifestyle is far from ideal: we sit a lot, move little, carry weights, and have harmful habits. All this negatively affects the condition of the joints. Therefore, along with moderate exercise, it is necessary to eat foods that are beneficial for the joints.
Let’s consider in detail the three main principles that need to be followed in nutrition to prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
Weight control.
Perhaps, this is one of the most important principles of healthy eating for joints. The thing is, every extra kilogram of weight increases the load on the joints several times over. This inevitably leads to their destruction. The recommendations here are very simple: reduce the consumption of fast carbohydrates, sweets, and fatty food, be engaged in moderate physical activity. Fractional eating is also useful for rheumatoid arthritis.
However, it is not recommended establishing “hungry” days and go on diets on your own. Any restrictions should be coordinated with a doctor or dietitian, as they can cause imbalance in the body.
The body is a unified system, so all processes in it are interconnected and influence each other. Excess weight leads to a myriad of health problems. Everything suffers: the heart, the circulatory and respiratory systems, including the joints. If you have problems with excess weight and feel pain in your knees, this is the first signal to seek help from specialists.
Balanced diet.
The body needs to receive an adequate amount of all necessary nutrients. The key role here is played by both diverse nutrition and proper food preparation. Prolonged heat treatment partially or completely destroys fibers and vitamins in vegetables. And when frying, harmful substances are additionally formed. Therefore, it is recommended to eat vegetables and fruits in their fresh form, cook steamed, stewed, or baked in the oven dishes.
The health of bones and joints is influenced by vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium, vitamin C, protein, and much more. To maintain joint health, it is very important to have a balanced intake of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as minerals and vitamins in the diet.
Hydration.
Another principle of healthy eating for preventing rheumatoid arthritis is pure water. An adult should drink 1.5–2 liters of clean water every day, not including coffee/tea and liquid food. This is very important because nutrients dissolve in water and are better absorbed. You should drink water in the morning, whenever you feel thirsty, and also half an hour before or two hours after eating. It is advisable to drink in small portions. It is mandatory to drink before workouts and physical activities.
Proper and balanced nutrition is the base of strong joints and the entire body. Doctors highlight foods that strengthen joints or, conversely, contribute to their destruction. However, if degenerative processes have already begun, only consuming beneficial foods cannot stop the disease. It is important to consult a doctor and start treatment promptly. In these cases, a diet for joints and additional substances are prescribed. In combination, foods, healthy habits, and medications (such as Celeheal or Muvera) contribute to the restoration of cartilage tissue and maintain its elasticity for many years.