Ease symptoms of osteoporosis

A NEW UK study has revealed how making simple dietary changes and exercising could help to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Carried out by researchers at the University of Surrey and published in the journal Rheumatology, the new research revealed that making certain diet and lifestyle changes could also help those afflicted by osteoarthritis.

One of the key findings from the analysis is that taking a supplement of 1g of fish oil a day could help reduce patients’ pain, thanks to the essential fatty acids found in the oil which reduces inflammation in joints. The team also found that the supplement could help improve cardiovascular health.

Adding foods rich in vitamin K to the diet, such as kale, spinach and parsley, was also found to be beneficial. As the vitamin is needed for vitamin-K-dependent (VKD) proteins which are found in bone and cartilage, a sufficient intake can help promote bone growth and repair, and decrease the risk of osteoarthritis.

In addition to diet, the analysis also showed that weight loss eased symptoms in those who were overweight or obese. Obesity increases strain on joints and can cause low-grade, systemic inflammation in the body, both of which worsen the condition.

The team found that reducing calorie intake and introducing a combination of strengthening, flexibility and aerobic exercises was an effective way to reduce pain in overweight patients. – AFP-Relaxnews