Limiting the consumption of certain foods reduces the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by the destruction of the cartilage of one or more joints.
- Patients who are affected have severe pain, especially during inflammatory flare-ups.
- Avoiding certain foods can reduce these pains.
It is a disease that makes many French people suffer… Nearly 10 million people are affected by osteoarthritis in the country, according to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). This pathology can be defined as the destruction of the cartilage of one or more joints, which is manifested by severe pain.
A varied and balanced diet
There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis. Patients can take medication to reduce pain. But the most important thing to limit the progression of the disease is to adopt a healthy lifestyle: sport, weight loss, varied and balanced diet, etc. With this in mind, certain foods should be avoided to reduce pain.
Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. The objective to avoid pain, it is necessary to limit inflammatory foods as much as possible. First of all, there is red meat and cold meats, which are very fatty foods rich in saturated fatty acids. It is also recommended to limit fried foods, which are very fatty and generally cooked in oils rich in Omega 6.
Limit pain by avoiding certain foods
“Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammatory processes so that the body can e.g. fight against viruses and bacteria or break down metabolic end products, omega-3 fatty acids inhibit these inflammatory processes, explains Kirsten Scheuer, nutritionist, at the Swiss League Against Rheumatism. In the case of osteoarthritis with inflammation, it is therefore advisable to limit the consumption of foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids and to prefer foods rich in omega-3.“Fats and certain vegetable oils (soya, sunflower, peanut, etc.) generally contain a lot of omega-6, which is why they should be limited.
“Olive oil contains up to 75% omega-9 fatty acids, continues Kirsten Scheuer. They are monounsaturated fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids have a neutral effect on inflammation in the body. This means that they do not promote inflammation and can therefore be consumed without problems in case of arthritis or other forms of rheumatism.”
Last food to consume in moderation: refined sugar which no longer has the nutrients from sugar cane and promotes inflammation. Finally, on the drink side, it is preferable to reduce as much as possible – or even stop – your alcohol consumption and to stay well hydrated throughout the day.
