Nutrition Tips to Promote Orthopedic Health
January 18, 2024
While orthopedic treatment programs often prioritize exercise and physical therapy, it’s important not to overlook the impact of diet on orthopedic health. In order to promote any aspect of your health, it’s essential to optimize both diet and exercise. Making strategic nutritional adjustments can be highly beneficial to bone and joint health.
Increase Protein Intake
The role of protein in orthopedics should not be overlooked. Protein plays a key role in several body processes, including maintaining and repairing both muscles and bones, and contributing to hormone and enzyme synthesis. Adequate protein intake is essential for orthopedic health. In fact, research has found that hip fracture patients are more likely to have low protein intake, and that increasing protein intake boosts bone mineral density. Great protein sources to rely on include poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products.
Consider Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Chronic inflammation can have a significant negative impact on orthopedic health, and overall wellness. Inflammation has been linked to a variety of orthopedic health conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. Fortunately, dietary adjustments can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve bone and joint health. There are many foods that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, such as broccoli, fish, grapes, peppers, avocados, tomatoes, and green tea.
Prioritize Vitamins and Minerals
It’s essential to make sure you’re meeting the recommendations for daily intake of all of the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body. For example, boost calcium intake with dairy products and greens like spinach or kale, vitamin C with fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries, and magnesium in nuts and seeds. You should also aim to get plenty of fiber with whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Limit Junk Foods
Reducing your intake of junk foods and other processed meals is always good advice, but it’s especially important for orthopedic health. Prepackaged and processed foods are known for being high in sugar, salt, and fat. Regularly eating large quantities of these food items can contribute to high levels of inflammation in the body, which puts extra stress on the musculoskeletal system and compromises joint and bone health. Swapping out junk foods for healthy alternatives is key for improving orthopedic health.
Consult Your Provider
If you have existing orthopedic conditions or are concerned about your orthopedic health, don’t hesitate to reach out to the care team at The Bone Center of Yuma. Our experienced providers are available to address your concerns. Whether you are looking for nutrition advice specific to your condition or are exploring different treatment options, we can help. Reach out today to find out more.