Struggling with joint pain? Here's how to find relief through nutrition!
Joint pain is the result of inflammation in the body. Although we usually consider the word "inflammation" to be a bad thing, did you know that inflammation is actually good? It's our immune system's protection from disease, injury and stress.
However, extended periods of inflammation are not good and can lead to chronic pain. The FIRST line of defense against joint pain is to embrace an anti-inflammatory diet.
Keep reading below to learn more!
Nutrition tips to fight inflammation
1. Eat the rainbow:
Fruits and vegetables provide our first line of defense against inflammation in the body.
Colorful fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, compounds that give plants their rich colors and distinctive tastes and aromas. These phytonutrients help protect a plant (and you!) from chronic diseases and inflammation.
Here is your guide to understanding the colors of the food rainbow:
Red: Rich in the carotenoid lycopene, a potent force against gene-damaging free radicals.
Found in: Strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cherries.
Orange and yellow: Provide beta cryptothanxin, which supports intracellular communication and may help prevent heart disease.
Found in: Carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, oranges, bananas, pineapple, tangerines, mango.
Green: These foods are rich in cancer-blocking chemicals like sulforaphane, isocyanate, and indoles.
Found in: Spinach, avocados, asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, kale.
Blue and purple: Have powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins believed to delay cellular aging and help the heart.
Found in: Blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, Concord grapes, raisins, eggplant, plums, figs, prunes.
2. Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of long-chain fatty acids that are important for overall health. When it comes to chronic inflammation, these fatty acids are the starting point for a hormone that works to fight inflammation.
However, your body is either unable to make or very inefficient at making Omega-3s, and so you must source them from your diet.
They are primarily found in fish with higher fat content, and here in the USA, most people do not consume enough fish to ensure proper Omega-3 fatty acid intake. We highly recommend incorporating an Omega-3 supplement into your regimen!
Labs to help reveal inflammation & its causes
At Juno Wellness, we offer a range of functional labs that help pinpoint deficiencies that may be behind chronic inflammation and joint pain.
For example, we can measure the level of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in your blood, which is a protein made by the liver. It is sent into the bloodstream in response to inflammation to protect your tissues following injury or infection.
We also offer the NutrEval Micronutrients Test from Genova Labs. NutrEval is Genova's most comprehensive nutritional evaluation and can assess levels of omegas, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and heavy metals. All of these play an important role in modulating inflammation.
Speak to a Juno Wellness professional to find the lab that's right for you!
Supplements for Joint Health
We offer a wide selection of supplements that can help improve your joint health and reduce inflammation:
Orthomolecular Inflammacore
Helps maintain normal inflammatory balance and strengthen gastrointestinal barrier function.
Metagenics Inflavonoid Intensive Care
Mix of curcuminoids, AKBA from Boswellia, and fenugreek), which may help support the body’s response to oxidative stress
Thorne Meriva 500- SF
Well-absorbed curcumin for relief from occasional joint and muscle soreness.
Orthomolecular Traumeric
Complete Turmeric Matrix, quercetin, rutin and bromelain for enhanced joint function, and to maintain normal inflammatory balance
Klaire Labs Inflathera
A unique phytonutrient mixture to help regulate inflammatory response.
Orthomolecular Inflamma-bLOX
Formulated with natural ingredients, like turmeric, skullcap and bee propolis, to help maintain a normal inflammatory balance.
