FIGHT OSTEOARTHRITIS WITH THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Although experts don’t recommend a specific diet for people with osteoarthritis, choosing healthy foods can help with maintaining a healthy weight. This is important for people with osteoarthritis, as excess weight places additional strain on joints and can worsen joint pain, particularly at the knees and hips.
 

There is evidence that the Mediterranean diet has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in promoting weight loss – both of which are important in effective osteoarthritis management.
 

In a study that compared diet and health among men in seven countries, it was found that men in the Mediterranean areas of southern Europe were at significantly less risk of death from heart disease than those in the US or northern Europe. 
 

The key components of the Mediterranean diet are:

• High consumption of olive oil, a monounsaturated fat that does not raise cholesterol levels in the way that saturated fat does.
• High consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Low to moderate consumption of dairy products, fish and poultry; low consumption of red meat.
• Eggs are consumed up to four times a week.
• Wine is consumed in low to moderate amounts.