A well-balanced diet is crucial to maintaining overall health as well as orthopedic health. Ensuring proper nutrition is an important part of preventative orthopedic care. Read on to learn about the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients especially beneficial for your orthopedic health.
Calcium, Vitamin D, and Protein
Calcium is a mineral your body uses to build and maintain bones. Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption, and both are important for healthy bones. Some good sources of calcium include dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale. You can get vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, and it can also be obtained through fatty fish and fortified foods.
Your body uses protein for the maintenance and repair of muscles, ligaments, and other connective tissue. Some good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, and beans.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Antioxidants
Inflammation is a factor in many common orthopedic issues, such as arthritis. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can help combat the inflammation that exacerbates these issues. A good source of omega-3s is fatty fish, and antioxidants are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
On the other hand, processed foods and foods with excess sugar can increase inflammation. If you’re concerned about inflammation, talk with your doctor about limiting these types of foods.
Hydration
Water helps transport nutrients to the cells and aids in joint lubrication. You can read more about the benefits of hydration in our blog post from June.
At Orthopedic Specialists, we understand that orthopedic health is an important part of overall health. Our team of orthopedic doctors, surgeons, and specialists offer care in multiple areas of specialty so you can get back to the activities you love.
