With increasingly sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating and environmental factors, the cases of knee joint problems are becoming a concern. Against popular belief, knee conditions not only affect the elderly, but may also cause problems for young and healthy. Knee is a socket joint which is made of bone and cartilage layer to enable smooth movement. There are different types of arthritis and other kinds of bone related diseases that result in pain and inability to comfortably move. Initially, the doctors recommend non-invasive treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy. When these methods fail to improve the patient’s condition, surgical intervention is recommended. Knee replacement surgery is major procedure in which the parts of the knee joints are replaced with artificial implants. It is followed by intense rehabilitation and recovery process. The superlative quality of care and low knee replacement surgery cost in India is a major reason for its popularity in the country. Every year, many international patients come to India for knee replacement surgery and have successful outcomes. The hospitals in the country are world-class centres equipped with the latest and most updated technology for knee replacement. Indian orthopaedic surgery are renowned for their knowledge, skills and expertise in the field of joint replacement surgeries.
However, it is best to prevent knee damage to this extent in the first place. There are several super foods that can help booth the strength of the knee joint. Here are some foods that you can include your diet for knee health:
Green Leafy Vegetables
The green vegetables have many benefits for our health, including strengthening the bones in the knee joint. Vegetables and green leaf such as spinach, broccoli, spring greens, and parsley help fight the free radicals and other agents that may inflict damage on the body.
The green leafy vegetables contain antioxidant carotenoids, calcium and magnesium, which help reduce the cartilage breakdown.
Nuts and Seeds
Almost all kinds of nuts and seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is an important nutrient for the body and is also good for brain functioning. You can consume it as snacks in between meals or combine with salads and dishes.
Fish
Oily fish is known to reduce joint pain and is good for many other health problems such as morning stiffness. These types of fish contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids which helps fight off the free radicals. For this reason, it is the recommended consuming two to four weekly servings of fish such as salmon and sardines. As not many people like to eat fish due to various personal and medical reasons, they can have an omega-3 fish or krill oil supplement can help support joint health.
Berries
Berry fruits such ass cherries, raspberries and elderberries are rich in antioxidant called anthocyanins. These antioxidants help reduce inflammatory substances in our body. Berries such as black cherries help lower the levels of uric acid, thus preventing gout condition.
Vitamin C rich foods
An important food for joint health is vitamin C as it helps build collagen and connective tissue. There are many fruits and food items that are rich in this nutrient. Citrus foods such as strawberries, red peppers, cabbage, broccoli, and kale. It is also an immunity booster which helps body fight against infections.
Turmeric
Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It is often used as a common household spice in curries. It’s anti-inflammatory ability is attributed to a substance called curcumin. Turmeric also helps reduce the pain. Joint pain patients are generally advised to consume turmeric in adequate amounts. Many people even take supplements for the same.
Onions
Onions consist of quercetin, which is an antioxidant that helps in reducing the inflammation. Especially, the red onions are known to contain high levels of antioxidants.
Garlic
Garlic is rich in a compound called allicin. This agent can help to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other joint pain conditions.
Green Tea
The studies have shown that green tea contains antioxidants that may help in preventing and reducing the extent of damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Decaf teas such as green, white, and black teas are rich in the antioxidant catechins, a compound that can inhibit the inflammation in joints caused by arthritis.