Fish oil, spinach help reduce risk of osteoarthritis, says research report

NEW DELHI A gram of fish oil and some spinach in your food could be of great help in reducing pain and reducing the risk of those suffering from osteoarthritis. A study published in the journal Rheumatology examined the link between diet and effective self-management of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a disease in which joint inflammation results from cartilage degeneration. In elderly people, it is a common problem and often pain occurs in joints, hands, hips and knees for those suffering from osteoarthritis.

To arrive at a conclusion, the researchers analysed 68 previous studies in the area. The findings suggested that a low dose of fish oil (one and a half standard capsule) could result in pain reduction for patients with osteoarthritis and help improve their cardiovascular health.
The researchers said the fatty acid present in fish oil could work magic on the aching joints of the elderly. The fatty acids present in the oil reduce inflammation in joints and cuts the pain. Foods rich in Vitamin K such as kale, spinach and parsley also gave benefits to patients with osteoarthritis.

The researchers found that human beings bone and cartilage contain Vitamin-K-Dependent (VKD) proteins which demand Vitamin K for good health. The working of protein is adversely affected if Vitamin is taken in low quantity. Bone growth and repair get hampered thereby aggravating the risk of osteoarthritis.

“The importance of a good diet and regular exercise should never be underestimated. Not only does it keep us fit and healthy, but as we have learned from this study, it can also lessen painful symptoms of osteoarthritis,” study co-author Margaret Rayman, Professor at the University of Surrey in Britain, was quoted in a media report.
He said a person was what he ate. “It is important that one should have the right amount of nutrients from the food to ensure that the body systems work as they should,” Rayman said in a media report.

In addition to monitoring the diet, reduction of weight for overweight and obese patients and doing exercises that promote mobility could also help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis, said the researchers.