Taking proper care of our joints and muscles is a must as we move through life. If we’re aiming to age gracefully and extend our health, good nutrition and intentional care of our bodies can help us maintain strength, stay pain-free, and remain mobile for as long as possible. Most importantly, this care of our joints and muscles starts at any age – it’s not just something to think about as we get older. The physical therapy professionals at Florence Rehabilitation Center are here to break down the ins and outs of how nutrition can help your muscles and joints stay as healthy and strong as possible.
5 Top Foods for Healthy Joints and Muscles
What are the best foods for knee joints and ligaments? How can I improve my joint health naturally? What are the worst foods for joint pain? These are all great questions to ask, no matter your age! We all depend on our bodies for every aspect of life and keeping it as strong and healthy as possible is vital. So let’s talk about what foods truly fuel your muscles and keep your joints lubricated and healthy for years to come.
Eating Protein for Muscle and Joint Health
Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, which is especially important while building muscle, after an injury, or after a surgical procedure. Eating lean meats, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, lentils, beans, and other natural sources of protein can help build muscle, which in turn protects your joints.
Do Omega 3s Ease Joint Pain?
Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly beneficial for reducing inflammation and stiffness in your joints. If you are seeking to manage arthritis, have consistent joint pain, or are recovering from surgery, getting a regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids will help exponentially. These are foods that help arthritis pain go away. Fatty fish likes salmon, chia and flaxseeds, and walnuts carry fantastic levels of omega-3’s.
Antioxidants for Joint Healing
Oxidative stress which damages joint tissue and delays healing can occur within cells. A natural way to help protect cells from oxidative stress is to take in plenty of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. You can eat bell peppers, spinach, nuts, berries, and seeds for natural sources of these vitamins.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Muscles and joints are supported by strong bones as anchors. To keep strong bone density and prevent fractures, thereby supporting your muscles and joints, Calcium and Vitamin D are essential. Eating a healthy amount of dairy products, plant milks, leafy greens, etc. can provide the natural calcium you need. Sun exposure is a great way to absorb the vitamin D you need.
Water
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of keeping your muscles and joints healthy is by drinking plenty of water. Your joints are cushioned by fluid and your muscles are fueled by proper hydration. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day keeps your system well hydrated and reduces joint stiffness.
What should you avoid eating that will increase joint pain? Joint inflammation can be exacerbated by sugar, processed foods, and fried foods. Some of the worst foods for joint pain also include sodas, candy, and any highly processed foods – these should be avoided at all costs.
How to Improve Joint Health Naturally
In addition to eating healthy and providing your body with the proper nutrition to support your joints and muscles, physical therapy is another effective way of ensuring you continue to move safely and effectively during the various stages of life. Florence Rehabilitation Center has been serving the community of Florence, Mississippi and surrounding areas for over 30 years. Our physical therapists for arthritis, joint pain, chronic pain, injury recovery, and post-surgical therapists are incredibly skilled. We’ll help you maintain your highest level of mobility, balance, and keep pain at bay. If you’re recovering from an injury or rehabilitating after a surgery, your individualized physical therapy plan will get you back to pre-injury or surgery levels in no time! We also teach healthy methods of preventing injuries and joint pain, and do all we can to keep you strong and healthy for your active lifestyle!
