Friday, May 15, 2015

Reducing knee pain by making changes in diet

"Every pound of body weight yields five pounds of force on the knee, so even 10 extra pounds can put a considerable load on those joints." WebMD 

Added force on a knee causes the protective covering of the knee to break down more rapidly according to the Arthritis Foundation, in an article, How Fat Affects Arthritis. It seems like common sense. 

Beyond this, some fats may produce a chemical reaction that increase inflammation and contribute to joint degeneration. Omega 6 fatty acids, saturated fats (from animal and whole dairy), trans-fats, gluten, casein, some artificial sweeteners, are considered inflammatory. Read more about these foods in the article, 8 Food Ingredients that can Cause Inflammation

Making the changes in diet for less pain and more fun may be worth every ounce of effort. Pain zaps our energy levels and is very distracting -- from work, play, relationships, and generally our whole lives. 

Changing one's diet takes concentration and effort -- plus planning and lots of chopping. Many grocery stores now carry pre-chopped veggies and cut up fruits. Salad bars are also in many grocery stores, so instead of buying a pizza on your way home from work, stop at the salad bar and pick up a hearty green salad. Add some black beans, smoked salmon, or buy some fish that is easy to cook.

A change in diet can have a stunning affect on how you feel and may reduce knee pain. When you are in pain or if you are feeling anxious, instead of running to the fridge for comfort, go for a walk, read a book, write to a friend, or find something else you like to do.  Put a Maine Warmer in the microwave for a minute and a half, then relax with a non-caffeine beverage. Heat relaxes tense muscles, stimulates circulation, and increases flexibility -- helping you feel better.

Woman relaxing with microwave Back Warmer, Maine Warmers' Knee Pack strapped onto a man's knee, & a man relaxing sore neck muscles with a Neck Warmer
Maine Warmers Microwave Back Warmer, Knee Ice Pack, & Traditional Neck Warmer



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