Poor nutrition is usually tied to things like obesity and diabetes, but it is also linked to joint pain. Deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals and too much fat can lead to joint pain, as well as a lack of things like protein and the right kinds of fats. It?s very important to consider your nutritional needs if you think that you are at risk of joint pain or you just want to prevent it from even starting.

You know full well that diet is an important part of the normal functioning of your life and certain foods are good for your body while others are detrimental. There are some foods which you need in order to reduce pain and inflammation and others which will increase your joint pain and should be avoided. As usual, the saturated and trans fats fall into this category; they increase pain and inflammation in and of themselves and they pile on the weight which compounds the problem.

If you want to protect your body from joint pain, there are some things which should never be skipped from your diet.

Protein

Protein from both red and white meat is an important part of the human diet. It increases iron content and is an important part of developing the brain. Protein is also necessary for the proper functioning and health of your joints. It has to be the right kind of protein though; protein from beans and fish are better than protein strictly from red meat because you also get the Omega-3 fatty acids which are also good for your joints.

Fat

Fats are not all bad; it?s just a matter of choosing the correct fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of joint health because it strengthens the nerves and the tendons which allow your joints to stay functional longer. Omega-3 fatty acids are found predominately in fish oil, but can also be seen in some cooking oils like canola oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are very important to your overall diet, so make sure they are included.

Vitamins

All vitamins and minerals are important for the body, but some float to the top as being particularly important for joint function. Vitamin C and B vitamins are of the greatest value to your joints because they improve your joint function and their strength. Vitamin C and E also contain antioxidants which improve the health of your joints and keep them from degrading painfully.

Nutrition is tied to every facet of your life and when you start sliding on it, you feel the effects sometimes swiftly and painfully. If you want to prevent, or at least delay the onset of joint pain into older age, then it?s important to consider what you are putting into your body and what effect it is having. By following a diet high in vegetables and fish oil, you can really help your body stave off the effects of age and help prevent joint pain from being a debilitation on your life.