Weight management through dietary interventions found to minimize pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis

A review of studies by researchers from the University of Surrey in England revealed that the pain and other symptoms brought about by osteoarthritis may be reduced by making dietary and nutritional changes. The findings of the review were published in the journal Rheumatology.

• Researchers reviewed the literature on the link between nutrition and osteoarthritis risk or progression. A total of 68 studies were reviewed by the researchers.
• They found that a low-dose supplement of fish oil could reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis and help improve their cardiovascular health.
• Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that reduce inflammation in joints, helping to reduce pain.
• In addition, the researchers found that losing weight for overweight and obese people with osteoarthritis and performing mobility exercises could also help improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
• Being overweight or obese increases strain on the joints and causes inflammation in the body, worsening the condition.
• They also suggested that following a calorie-restricted diet, together with strengthening, flexibility, and aerobic exercises, could effectively reduce pain in overweight patients.
• This could also help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood as high blood cholesterol is known to be associated with osteoarthritis.
• Vitamin K, which is found in foods like kale, spinach, and parsley, is essential for vitamin K-dependent proteins, which are found in bone and cartilage. Therefore, eating more vitamin K-rich foods may benefit people with osteoarthritis.
• Vitamin K deficiency negatively affects the function of the protein, impairing bone growth and repair and increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

The findings of the review suggest that osteoarthritis symptoms may be alleviated by making healthy lifestyle changes.

To read more studies on improving the symptoms of osteoarthritis, visit Cures.news.

Journal Reference:

Thomas S, Browne H, Mobasheri A, Rayman MP. WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE FOR A ROLE FOR DIET AND NUTRITION IN OSTEOARTHRITIS?. Rheumatology. 17 April 2018; 57(4): iv61-iv74. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key011