Joint pain is a real drag, and it can ruin your day. Chronic joint pain is often attributed to ageing, and this may be a factor. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. Joint pain that is ignored puts the body through an incredible amount of stress and causes unnecessary degeneration of the joint tissue.
While joint pain can be caused by excessive use, arthritis, loss of bone density, and injury, it can also indicate a nutritional deficiency. If you experience daily pain and can’t identify the cause, this is a good place to start. We have a smoothie recipe that will not only soothe joint irritation, it will make you happy because it tastes so good.
We are going to look at the individual ingredients of this super joint relief concoction.
Vitamin deficiency is a common cause of inflammation, especially if your body lacks sufficient calcium, bromelain, magnesium, and iron. Our smoothie recipe is aimed at providing the right nutrition to reduce chronic inflammation and make it easier to heal from the original complaint.
Pineapples: The star of pineapple for joint complaints is bromelain. This anti-inflammatory compound is commonly recommended for people with arthritis because it reduces swelling in soft tissue injuries. Other great features of pineapple include the all-star vitamin – C, as well as manganese, copper, fibre, and B vitamins.
Speaking of vitamin C, orange juice helps keep ligaments and tendons strong, which is great for joint support. Its antioxidant properties lessen oxidative stress as a result of free radical damage. The flavonoids and carotenoids work to support blood vessel cells and inhibit the inflammatory response, leading to less pain. OJ also has magnesium and calcium to contribute to joint health, making it just awesome all around.
Cinnamon is a flavorful spice that helps improve blood circulation, which can be hampered by inflammation. It has also been used holistically to treat joint conditions. In some cases, issues with
Whole grains like oatmeal keep inflammation at bay because they are resistant starches. This is a type of carb that passes undigested through your system, feeding healthy gut bacteria rather than your whole body. The healthy bacteria produce a fatty acid that makes for more efficient fat oxidation, which leads to less inflammation. You’ll also get a fair bit of iron per serving, shoring up another common deficiency associated with joint pain.
Honey is a delicate sweet flavor that packs a real antioxidant punch. It has also been used as medicine over thousands of years, for ailments as diverse as coughs and skin infections. Mixed with apple cider vinegar, honey is a common natural pain reliever for joint pain. We think our smoothie tastes better, though! You still get all the nutritional benefits of honey’s antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals plus a nice sweetness and smooth texture.