8 Healthy Alternative Snacks to Minimize Osteoarthritis Symptoms

If you suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), making improvements to your diet is a great way to manage your symptoms. From reducing joint inflammation and stiffness to decreasing pain and discomfort, healthy snack alternatives are a gamechanger for managing OA. That’s why Arthritis Knee Pain Centers® has compiled a quick and easy reference list of healthy foods you can start introducing to your diet today!

1. 1. 1. GREEN TEA
         Green tea is jam-packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that are great for reducing inflammation. It also blocks the production of damaging molecules typically associated with joint pain. A perfect replacement for coffee that keeps you full between meals. Consider switching to green tea if your osteoarthritis pain has been bothering you.
      2. OILY FISH
         Oily fish like salmon, trout, and tuna are rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3. Sardines and mackerel are some great alternatives as well. Loaded with Vitamin D and other anti-inflammatory properties, these fish varieties are great for minimizing the severity of OA pain. Try making salmon and whole-wheat crackers a regular afternoon snack!
      3. NUTS
         Nuts are another great source of omega-3 fatty acid. These acids are important because they are linked to the decrease of joint stiffness and tenderness. Nuts like walnuts and almonds also contain high levels of protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, fiber, and Vitamin E. These are all excellent immune system boosters that will vastly improve your overall health.
      4. BERRIES
         Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals associated with reducing joint irritation. They are also a great way of satisfying your sweet tooth without the usual refined sugars frequently found in processed desserts. Instead, these healthy snack alternatives are a tasty, nutrient-rich way to manage joint pain.
      5. GREENS
         Green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts are vital for managing osteoarthritis. Not only are they frequently associated with lower levels of inflammation, but they also have nutritious antioxidants that help fight other diseases. Kale chips and edamame are two protein-rich snacks that double as great mood boosters.
      6. VEGETABLES
         Cauliflower, mushrooms, and cabbage are also high in compounds like sulforaphane that help lower osteoarthritis symptoms. Ingredients like these are great as healthy side dishes for meals. They can also be tossed into a sauté pan altogether with canola or olive oil for some quick and easy stir fry.
      7. OILS
         Speaking of cooking oils, you’ll want to replace the vegetable or corn oil currently in your pantry. Instead, replace them with extra virgin olive oil or canola oil. Not only are these replacements better for heart health, but they are also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as other anti-inflammatories.
      8. GARLIC
         Adding garlic to your diet comes with a long list of health benefits. For starters, it significantly lowers your risk of developing illnesses like heart disease, dementia, and cancer. In addition, its strong anti-inflammatory properties strengthen your immune system and reduce joint tenderness. Overall, garlic is a great health booster no matter how you choose to cook with it.

   For osteoarthritis sufferers, improving your diet is paramount. Introducing nutritious snacks high in antioxidants, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatories are great ways to significantly improve pain symptoms.

   If you have additional questions or concerns regarding your osteoarthritis, Arthritis Knee Pain Centers® is here to help! Give us a call at 1-833-300-5633 or visit arthritiskneepain.com to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation knee pain screening.