2. Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-6 fatty acids are not to be confused with omega-3 fatty acids, which help support joint health. Omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for normal body growth and development, but consuming too many fatty acids can contribute to common joint discomfort. It is important to maintain a healthy balance of fatty acids in your diet. 

What to try instead: Omega-6 fatty acids are found in safflower, peanut, soy, corn, and vegetable oils, and fried foods. Many processed snacks contain large concentrations of these fatty acids too. Instead, choose olive and canola oils for cooking and fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds as alternative snacks. 

3. Saturated Fats

Saturated fats are a type of dietary fat that comes from animal sources, including meat and dairy products and coconut oil. Long-term consumption of these fats can contribute to fatty acid accumulation in the cartilage, changing its metabolism and reducing its integrity. Cartilage in this state becomes an easy target for occasional oxidative stress, and like sugar, saturated fats can affect healthy weight management and increase strain on the joints. 

What to try instead: Limit the intake of red meats and consider switching out some of your dairy products for non-dairy alternatives. Oils that have unsaturated fats can be used for cooking, such as olive and canola oils.

4. Processed Foods

Fast food, some breakfast cereals, and baked goods are typically high in refined grains, added sugar, and preservatives, associated with occasional joint discomfort. These foods are often chosen for convenience, but long-term consumption can work against your healthy weight goals and may lead to occasional stiff and sore joints. 

What to try instead: To maintain a healthy weight and reduce consumption of processed foods, prep and plan to cook your meals at home with wholesome grains, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables with every meal. For alternative snacks, try nuts and seeds with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

5. Nightshade Vegetables

The nightshade family includes potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. While these vegetables are full of valuable nutrients, some may be linked to unnecessary immune system responses, which can cause joint discomfort in some people. Because these vegetables are a nutritious and worthy addition to your diet and not everyone has the same responses after consumption, test them first, using the elimination method. 

What to try instead: Should you find that any of the nightshade vegetables are associated with joint discomfort, eliminate them from your diet and replace them with other vegetables containing similar nutrients. 

Something Extra to Support Your Joints

Whether you are a long-time athlete or just advancing in age, joint discomfort and various forms of everyday wear can impede your daily health goals and activities. A healthful diet is one way to provide the essential nutrients your body needs to maintain joint health. In addition to this, you can promote mobility and flexibility with the comprehensive joint support of supplements like MoveMD^®.

MoveMD^®

This doctor-formulated, proprietary formula provides comprehensive support for joint health. Clinically-studied ingredients, ApresFlex^®, Boswellia serrata, and Zanthin^® Natural Astaxanthin, are fast-acting and help reduce unnecessary oxidative stress and common joint discomfort. Several types of potent natural collagen are added to support connective tissue health, while hyaluronic acid maintains healthy joint synovial fluid viscosity for healthy flexibility and mobility. 

Final Thoughts

Everyday wear on your joints naturally occurs with age, and this may lead to common joint discomfort. It is important to support joint flexibility, mobility, and range of motion to maintain quality of life. Don’t let everyday joint aches slow you down. A balanced diet that limits these top foods, combined with regular exercise and the fast-acting joint support of MoveMD^® will help you hit the ground running every day.

Dr. Adam Kreitenberg

Dr. Adam Kreitenberg is dual board-certified in both rheumatology and internal medicine. He completed his internal medicine internship, residency, and rheumatology fellowship at the University of Southern California and Los Angeles County Medical Center.