Monsoon seasons have already set in several parts of India. The season brings in various changes in the environment altering the barometric pressure. These barometric changes can make your joint tissues expand, directly increasing pressure on your nerves and joints. During the monsoon season, the moisture and humidity levels are significantly higher. This sudden weather drop and dampness in the atmosphere can cause stiffness in your muscles as well as joints.
When we spoke to Dr Pramod Bhor, Director of Orthopedics and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Vashi, regarding the connection between joint pain and monsoon season, he said, "It is essential to eat well-rounded food to safeguard your health, especially joints during monsoon season." He also told us what to eat and what to avoid in monsoon to stay away from joint pain.
Foods to eat during monsoon season to maintain joint health
Food that contains Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acid helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints during the monsoon due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Several Indian foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds, soybean, and broccoli.
Turmeric: Turmeric works wonders in reducing joint-related issues such as joint pain, stiffness, or inflammation during monsoon. Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing joint pain. Individuals can regularly add turmeric to their daily meals for better results.
Foods to avoid during monsoon season to maintain joint health
Packaged and processed food: Packaged or processed food such as chips, and noodles might sound delicious and time effective, but it highly impacts your overall health including joint pain. These packaged foods contain MSG, added sugar, and preservatives to make them taste better and last longer. These ingredients can directly trigger your joints and lead to inflammation and joint pain. Avoid junk food or packaged food to maintain your joint health during the monsoon season.
Avoid excessive sugar intake: Sugar, especially refined sugar can lead to inflammation in the body, indicating underlying health conditions like arthritis and intense joint pain. It is important to avoid or reduce eating refines sugar or sugar-based products like candies, popsicles, and soda to manage and reduce joint pain during monsoon season. Eating sugar in excessive quantity can also lead to several health complications including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol.
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