These nutrient-rich foods aid in maintaining healthy joints.

You're inflamed? Your diet can assist in preserving your joints.

Healthy joints are something many of us take for granted until we feel the aches and pains for ourselves. The movement would not be conceivable without your joints; we would be stiff skeletons unable to bend, jump, or move in any other way. Your joints are working whenever you hug a loved one, hold a cup of coffee in your hands, or climb a flight of stairs. Additionally, they eventually become weary of being used almost constantly.

According to orthopedic physician and proprietor of Nance MD Hand Surgery Erin Nance, MD, "joint health influences practically everything we do." Dr. Nance argues that since even the most fundamental activities of daily life, including walking, cooking, and brushing teeth, are made possible by our joints, everyone—young and old—should think about maintaining their joints lubricated and healthy.

Joint discomfort has several (and frequent) causes, including arthritis. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the word "arthritis" literally translates to "joint inflammation," and it affects around one in four persons in the United States (although children can also get arthritis). The most frequently affected areas are the hands, hips, knees, and spine, which restrict movement and can significantly lower one's quality of life.

Nuts and Seeds

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in seeds and nuts, are known to combat and help reduce inflammation in your connective tissue and joints. Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are all excellent choices.

chilly fish

Additionally, coldwater fish is a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can lessen the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses in addition to lowering inflammation. Adding fish to your diet, such as halibut, tuna, salmon, or trout, or taking a daily fish oil supplement, are both options.

Fruit

Strong antioxidants found in a variety of fruits lower bodily inflammation, which eases joint discomfort. One fruit with potent flavonoids that suppresses the inflammatory response in your body is blueberries. Bromelain, a potent compound found in pineapple, has been demonstrated to reduce osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis-related joint discomfort. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, helps with this physical health issue as well.

vegetable crucifers

Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli are some examples of cruciferous vegetables. It has been discovered that certain meals inhibit the enzymes that cause joint swelling. They include a significant amount of vitamins and minerals as well.

Lentils with beans

Anthocyanins are a flavonoid found in pinto beans, chickpeas, black beans, soybeans, and lentils that helps your body fight inflammation. Another excellent supply of vital minerals, fiber, and protein is found in beans and lentils.

Olive Oil

Olive Oil Inflammation levels can rise while using oils including peanuts, vegetables, and sunflower. However, olive oil works well as a substitute for cooking or salad dressing. It's a good fat and is teeming with anti-inflammatory Omega-3s.

whole grains

Whole grains may help reduce inflammation while the proteins in processed grains can cause it to occur. Whole grains like whole wheat, rye, barley, and oats are suggested for easing joint discomfort and inflammation.

Garlic and root vegetables

The anti-inflammatory benefits of aromatic root vegetables including onions, garlic, turmeric, and ginger are well documented. They can alleviate arthritis-related joint pain and other symptoms. Garlic and root vegetables can be added to meals to increase taste and improve joint health.

Chocolate, dark

Because cocoa contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation, dark chocolate is tasty and fantastic for joints. The secret is to choose chocolate with a high cocoa content and to indulge sparingly.

Even though diet alone cannot treat arthritis, eating a variety of foods and getting enough nutrients helps improve joint health and reduce inflammation.

Red Alert: The four worst foods for causing inflammation are listed below.

The Healthiest Foods for Joints

Want to discover how to maintain the health of your joints? Changing your diet to include items that treat and prevent joint pain may be a crucial first step. Making a practice of eating healthily is crucial because the nutrients you put in your body have an impact on your well-being. Inflammation-fighting, connective tissue-strengthening, and bone-density-boosting nutrients can help maintain joints, stop injuries, and provide joint pain relief naturally.

Food treatments may be the best option if you wish to lessen joint inflammation and enhance your general joint health. Here is a closer look at some of the best anti-inflammatory foods for strong joints, as well as certain foods, to stay away from.

Eat No inflammatory Foods

It's important to know what to avoid in addition to which foods to include in your diet to promote healthier joints. Certain meals might make your body more inflammatory and cause joint discomfort. You should restrict or avoid inflammatory foods like:

• processed foods 
• fried foods 
• oils with a lot of saturated fat or Omega-6 fatty acids. 
• Sugar and processed carbs

The Foundations of Joint Health Eating

What does a diet that is good for joints look like? Your major goal should be to follow an anti-inflammatory diet that is high in some foods but low in others. Concentrate on consuming fewer sweets, processed meals, and specific proteins like red meat while increasing your intake of whole, unprocessed foods (plenty of plants!). If this sounds familiar, it's because this nutritional guidance also forms the basis of popular eating regimens like the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet, both of which have been found to help reduce inflammation.

According to Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, "There is no one food, nutrient, or supplement that can instantly treat pain," but switching to a Mediterranean-inspired eating regimen—[high in] vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, pulses, nuts, seeds, and plant-derived oils—may be helpful in lowering the risk of chronic inflammation over time.

A specific mention should be made of the following nutrients, which are essential in lowering inflammation that can irritate joints:

·            Calcium

·       Omega-3 fatty acids

·       Vitamin D

·       Vitamin C and other antioxidants

Here are some of the foods that doctors and nutritionists recommend eating to receive these nutrients for healthy joints.

Our All-Time Top Anti-Inflammatory Recipes

Foods to Eat for Healthy Joints

1 Turmeric

Recipe for red lentil soup with carrots and turmeric

Curry dishes and Indian food frequently use the spice turmeric. Curcumin, the molecule that gives turmeric its vivid yellow color, is primarily responsible for the herb's anti-inflammatory properties. According to Jenna Volpe, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian at Wholistic Living, "The joint-specific effects of turmeric and turmeric extract have been proven to be comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)." A 2021 review found that turmeric therapy helped those with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and function better.

This super spice is used for more than just seasoning cuisine. You may make a colorful smoothie out of it, or Volpe suggests drinking golden milk, a warm, calming combination prepared with turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and milk, or a milk substitute. Black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric (readily absorbed by your body). If you find that golden milk is too salty or spicy, Volpe advises adding a small amount of a natural sweetener, such as raw honey, to make it more bearable.

2 Walnuts

A RECIPE FOR HONEY-PAPRIKA WALNUTS

According to London, the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in nuts and seeds like walnuts makes them particularly good for joint health. According to a 2016 study, regular nut consumption is positively related to a healthy profile of inflammatory markers.

Omega-3 fatty acids are very abundant in walnuts. Walnuts really have a greater profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as some of the highest quantities of alpha-linolenic acids (ALA, also known as plant-based omega-3s), according to London. Additionally, a wonderful source of fiber and antioxidants is walnuts.

Including nuts in your diet is advised by the American Heart Association, but only in moderation. 1.5 ounces or a modest handful of nuts constitute one serving. Or, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of nut butter for the entire nuts (read the label to be mindful of added sugars). The healthiest option when buying nuts is to choose unsalted kinds to limit sodium intake.

3 Salmon

RECIPE FOR SHEET PAN SALMON WITH POTATOES AND BROCCOLI

Many different forms of seafood can be a fantastic source of healthy fats that promote the best possible joint health, similar to nuts and seeds. Salmon is a fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D, all of which are beneficial for joints. Salmon is a strong source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid while walnuts are high in plant-based ALA (DHA). According to Volpe, these omega-3 fatty acids have immuno-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects in the body, which serve to lessen the levels of inflammatory chemical mediators associated with joint discomfort.

Omega-3 fatty acids have a strong association with heart health, but research also shows that they may be helpful for easing joint pain, lowering inflammation, and helping people with different types of arthritis. According to 2020 research, they may help restrict inflammatory reactions, which may have a positive impact on swollen and sore joints in persons with rheumatoid arthritis.

The American Heart Association advises eating a 3-ounce meal of cooked fish, such as salmon, at least twice a week.

4 Cherry Tart Juice

RECIPE FOR CHERRY GIN RICKEY

The antioxidant qualities of berries in general, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are praised for lowering oxidative stress, which has been linked to inflammation. However, these aren't the only berries you ought to be aware of. A cup of tart cherry juice is something Dr. Nance advises including in your daily diet.

According to Dr. Nance, patients with mild knee arthritis who drank two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice daily for six weeks experienced more symptom improvement than those who drank a placebo. The tart cherry juice group also showed a decrease in inflammatory markers.

5 Broccoli

Recipe for roasted broccoli pesto pasta

The health of your joints is just one of the many benefits of eating your vegetables every day. For this, board-certified emergency medicine specialist Mary Valvano, MD, of BetterNow MD, suggests consuming cruciferous vegetables like broccoli.

According to Dr. Valvano, broccoli is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and sulforaphane. This sulfur-rich substance, which is present in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, has antioxidant properties that may reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Research from 2021 indicates that sulforaphane has anti-arthritis properties. More study is required because the majority of the sulforaphane studies so far have been conducted on animals, but what is known so far is encouraging, and it never hurts to eat more vegetables.

6 Pulses

Recipe for Black Beans, Large Batch

Although members of the pulse family like beans and lentils frequently receive a poor rap for contributing to gas and bloating, they are an essential component of an anti-inflammatory and joint-friendly diet. Pulses are legumes' edible seeds, which are high in protein, fiber, and other beneficial components. According to London, beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas are an excellent substitute for red meat in your regular diet due to their mix of antioxidants, minerals, protein, and fiber.

Additionally, they are a fantastic source of magnesium, which has been demonstrated to help lessen inflammation. According to a 2022 meta-analysis, taking magnesium supplements dramatically lowers a variety of human inflammatory markers. However, supplements aren't the only option to increase your consumption of magnesium. Red lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and other pulses are all excellent suppliers of magnesium, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Understanding Palm Oil and Why It May Not Be Good for You

There is palm oil in virtually everything, but does it have any positive health effects?

Although palm oil is not a new product on the global market, not enough has been said about it for people to fully understand what it is or why it could not be good for you or the environment. Consider this a crash course on the somewhat contentious vegetable-based oil if you're debating whether you should get rid of all the palm oil in your pantry.

Palm oil: What Is It?

A form of vegetable oil or cooking oil called palm oil is produced from the oil palm tree's fruit. One of the most widely used vegetable oils worldwide, it is edible. Squeezing the fleshy fruit of the oil palm tree or crushing the fruit's kernel both produce palm oil. There are 200 possible alternate names for the oil in addition to palm oil.

Uses for Palm Oil

All kinds of things contain palm oil. It is used in more than half of all packaged items Americans consume, including pizza, doughnuts, ice cream, instant ramen, and chocolate. This is because it is so adaptable. Even Nutella contains palm oil; it is the second ingredient stated on the label. In cases where palm oil is sold as cooking oil, it will be clearly labeled. Do you recall those alternate names? They may make it challenging to tell which foods contain palm oil.

Non-Edible Items

Food contains palm oil, but so do commercial goods like toothpaste, deodorant, lipstick, soap, and laundry detergent. (It is actually adaptable.) It is practically hard to avoid palm oil because it is present in so many goods and goes by so many names.

Nutritive Worth

So, palm oil is healthy? It varies. Briefly put: Olive oil and canola oil are healthier than some culinary fats and oils, however, palm oil is not as healthful. In a healthy, balanced diet, some studies claim that palm oil does not raise the risk of heart disease, while others claim that it may be associated with increased heart disease-related death rates. According to a WHO report, more study is required.

Trans fat vs. Saturated fat

A slightly healthier substitute for trans fats, which are becoming less and less common, is palm oil. (WHO hopes to see a global ban on trans fats by 2023.) Although palm oil does not include trans fats, it is heavy in saturated fat, which increases the risk of heart disease by raising triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Even so, it is less saturated—or healthier—than butter and oils, and shortenings that are heavy in trans fat.

Risk of Contaminant

When palm oil is heated to an extremely high temperature, such as 200 degrees Celsius or 392 degrees Fahrenheit, it may introduce a contaminant that may be carcinogenic. However, this finding only applies to palm oil that has been processed for use in processed foods. Even yet, the study concludes that more investigation is required to determine the potential risk level.

Influence of Industry

Particularly as more details regarding this cooking oil become widely known, public perceptions of palm oil are constantly changing. According to a 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) study, the palm oil industry has influenced research on the health effects of its products, much like the alcohol and tobacco industries have influenced research on the health effects of their products to make them appear less harmful than they actually are.

It's possible that palm oil is unhealthy, or it could have other health impacts that people are unaware of, given that some of the studies on whether it's healthy are potentially biased. "The contentious nature of the evidence emphasizes the necessity for independent, thorough research of the health consequences of palm oil use," the authors of the WHO study write. The results of this study leave room for ambiguity on the health benefits of palm oil.

Impact on the Environment

While the health implications of palm oil are still up for debate, the oil's environmental effects are also a cause for concern. The majority of the world's palm oil is produced in Indonesia and Malaysia, and these countries are also home to many of the oil palm farms that contribute significantly to deforestation. The palm oil business is notorious for destroying endangered species' habitats and eradicating rainforests. Additionally, it has been linked to rising carbon emissions, the eviction of indigenous peoples, and labor violations.

However, palm oil utilizes less land, fewer pesticides, and fewer chemical fertilizers than other vegetable oil sources that could serve as substitutes. Even though it wouldn't result in the destruction of priceless rainforests, cultivating the same amount of corn, for instance, would have a considerably greater negative influence on the environment. If you have a lot of concern for the environment, you might want to switch to a more sustainable oil. 

7 Symptoms That You're Actually Dehydrated (That Have Nothing to Do With Thirst)

When you don't drink enough water or lose more than you take in, you become dehydrated.

Sweat, tears, vomiting, urination, and diarrhea all cause fluid loss.

Climate, level of physical activity, food, and other variables can all affect how severe dehydration is.

You are urged to drink more water by these dehydration-related mental and physical symptoms.

For optimal performance and feeling well, it's important to stay hydrated. The body needs water to function on many levels because it is typically 60 percent water (although this percentage varies from person to person). There are so many amazing things that water does in your body that it would take more than two hands to list them all, but according to Tamika Henry, MD, MBA, a board-certified family physician and founder of the Unlimited Health Institute in Pasadena, California, some of its main functions include eliminating waste and toxins, controlling body temperature, lubricating joints, and enhancing cellular, tissue, and organ health. Other responsibilities include assisting with salivation, healthy digestion, and oxygen distribution throughout your body.

When you wake up, should you have a glass of water? Here Are 6 Health Benefits, Per MDs

We naturally utilize and lose water during the day through perspiration, urination, and exhalation; we are unable to manufacture more on our own. As a result, we need outside resources to replenish adequately. You are regarded to be dehydrated when you lose more water than you consume. However, it's unlikely that you monitor your water intake and output; rather, you wait until you feel thirsty in order to determine whether you're dehydrated. The real sting, though, is that Dr. Henry asserts that if you're thirsty, you're already mildly dehydrated.

Although the most prominent sign of dehydration is thirst, which you should always pay attention to, there are also additional, less evident signs of dehydration, including some surprising mental and emotional indicators.

Physical and Mental Symptoms of Dehydration

1 Your breath is offensive.

Dehydration is one of several causes of bad breath. Why? since saliva requires water to produce and has antimicrobial qualities. Because your body must prioritize its water needs and divert fluids to these areas when you're dehydrated salivary output decreases. According to Shyamala Vishnumohan, Ph.D., director of food and nutrition and certified prenatal nutritionist at One to One Consulting in Perth, Australia, "the ability to combat odor-producing microorganisms in your mouth may not be efficient [when you're dehydrated], causing foul breath."

2 You're famished.

Priorities first You might truly be starving, in which case eat something. However, there are moments when you feel hungry or experience cravings (typically for salty foods), which Dr. Henry attributes to being extremely thirsty. Not because you shouldn't be eating, but rather because your body is attempting to tell you that it needs water, it's critical to pay close attention to your body and learn the difference. Ask yourself, "Am I dehydrated?" the next time you feel hungry but are unsure of why—perhaps you recently ate or don't typically feel hungry at that time of day. Wait around 15 minutes after consuming a glass of water. The majority of the time, she claims, people are simply thirsty and not hungry. A glass of water and a filling snack is also in order as you may be hungry and thirsty.

3 Your mind is racing.

Although the cause of headaches and dehydration are unknown, scientists have several theories. A viable idea, according to Dr. Henry, involves pain receptors in the brain that are connected to the meninges, the membrane layers that cover your brain and spinal cord. Dehydration can lead to fluid shifting out of the brain, which puts pressure on the meninges and activates pain receptors. Translation: Your headache may be a sign that you haven't had any water for too long.

4 You've lost focus.

It can be a good idea to drink some water if you are having problems concentrating. Dr. Henry notes that dehydration "may result in a lack of focus, producing short-term difficulty in performing tasks linked to motor and visual skills." She advises setting alarms throughout the day to remind you to drink water because even minor dehydration can impair cognition.

5 You have constipation.

Worst of all is constipation. Constipation is described as having less than three bowel movements per week. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 16 out of 100 persons in the United States experience constipation symptoms. Dehydration may be a contributing factor in constipation. Dr. Henry claims that water helps with digestion and is ultimately one of the most effective ways to keep things moving and regular.

6 You're negative.

While a lack of sleep is mostly to blame for a bad mood—and we are all aware that feeling "hangry" is a real thing—dehydration can also have an impact on how you feel. Are you irritable, impatient, or grumpy? According to Dr. Henry, dehydration can have neurological consequences that make a person irritable. The next time you snap at your partner or the kids, consider whether your desire for water is to blame more so than their conduct.

One of the Worst Things You Can Do When Stressed Is Not Drink Enough Water—Why Here's

7 Your skin's elasticity feels lessened.

Skin elasticity is a more accurate indicator of your degree of moisture than dry skin. Have you ever pinched your hand to test if it soon returns to its original position? According to Vishnumohan, if it doesn't, this is actually a pretty good indicator that you're dehydrated. To test, pinch the skin on the top of your hand, the inside of your lower arm, or your abdomen with two fingers. If you're well hydrated, it ought to tent up, release, and snap back into place right away. On the other side, when you're dehydrated, your skin loses part of the suppleness it requires to rapidly bounce back.

When Should You Drink Water?

The quick response is: Depends.

The lengthy response? There is "no specific daily water need for a given person," according to research. Since it genuinely depends on a variety of elements, such as body size and composition, degree of physical activity, climate, and nutrition, it is difficult to tell with certainty how much you need. For instance, you should drink significantly more fluids to replace those lost via perspiration if you're exercising hard or spending time in a hot environment. Don't forget to replenish any lost electrolytes as well.

Some professionals advise consuming around half of your body weight in ounces (i.e. if you weigh 160 pounds, you should consume about 80 ounces of water). You've also probably heard the recommendation to consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. However, according to Vishnumohan, there isn't enough scientific data to draw the conclusion that these suggestions should serve as the gold standard for everyone.

Instead of obsessing over ounces or glasses, try to consistently drink water throughout the day and pay close attention to your body's cues. Keep in mind that, in addition to water, many other meals and drinks, such as tea, milk, and smoothies, can help you stay hydrated. For instance, Vishnumohan drinks at least one glass of water with each meal and consumes five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily. He also enjoys a cup of coffee in the morning and a cup of tea at night.

Hydration is crucial, but is there such a thing as too much water?