It is no secret that a well-balanced diet is a strong foundation for healthy living. It supplies every cell in our bodies with the right fuel, nutrients and compounds needed to function effectively, reducing the risks of chronic illness.
Our musculoskeletal health is one area of well-being that benefits from good nutrition and hydration. 10 million people in the UK live with arthritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the joints. Symptoms can range from mild aches to debilitating chronic joint pain, stiffness and immobility, creating a cycle of continued tissue damage and ongoing inflammation.
While there is no miracle diet for arthritis, being mindful of foods and Natural Joint Pain Supplements that are shown to reduce inflammation in the body may play a valuable role in reducing symptoms, helping to support joint health and well-being from the inside out.
What can you incorporate into your diet to help support healthy joint function?
Ginger
More than just a flavouring, ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its boasting numerous health benefits. Studies have shown it reduces morning joint stiffness, an early symptom of osteoarthritis, and relieves joint pain.
Available fresh or as a powdered extract in supplements, this wonder root is one your joints will thank you for.
Leafy greens
A nutritional powerhouse, leafy greens like kale, spinach and broccoli are brimming with antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage. They also provide a rich source of calcium, a main component of bones, and vitamin C, which is involved in collagen production and contributes to the protective joint cartilage.
Rose-hip
Commonly found on Autumnal hedgerows, rose hips contain a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called GOPO, which, when extracted using a special patented process, has been shown in numerous scientific studies to reduce joint pain, improve mobility and even help to protect and restore cartilage.
In one study, 8 out of 10 patients reported a significant reduction in pain after just three weeks of taking GOPO supplementation, reducing the need for painkillers.
Water
It is estimated that up to 80% of your joint cartilage is made up of water, which is crucial in protecting your joints and contributing to the synovial fluid that keeps your joint bones moving smoothly over one another. Being dehydrated can also cause cramps and muscle pains, which may worsen the feeling of aching joints, so ensure you drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day.
Oily fish
A versatile and tasty component of a healthy diet, oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can calm down the immune system’s inflammatory response.
Research has shown that omega-3 from fish can reduce swelling and joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, which may help promote healthy joint function.
GOPO Joint Health Plus Ginger is the first UK supplement to contain the unique combination of ginger extracts with the powerful anti-inflammatory GOPO, a component of rosehip shown to protect cartilage and improve mobility while relieving joint pain.
Ginger has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of OA, including pain and stiffness.
Taking ginger at the early stages of OA offers the best results in protecting joints from further damage. GOPO Joint Health Plus Ginger is available to purchase from Amazon.