Did you know that what you eat can impact arthritis pain? While joint replacement is the gold-standard treatment for advanced arthritis, nutrition plays a key role in reducing inflammation, supporting cartilage health, and improving mobility. March is National Nutrition Month—an ideal time to explore how diet can enhance joint health and recovery.
How Diet Affects Arthritis
Arthritis is often driven by chronic inflammation, which can worsen pain and joint damage over time. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can fuel this inflammation, while a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet can help keep symptoms under control.
Best Nutrients for Joint Health & Wellness
A well-balanced diet packed with essential nutrients can protect your joints and support healing. Key nutrients include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3s help reduce inflammation and ease joint stiffness.
- Collagen & Protein: Supports cartilage repair and muscle strength, reducing stress on your joints. MEND Joint Replacement provides high-quality protein and collagen to aid recovery after surgery.
- Vitamin D & Calcium: Essential for bone health and preventing further joint degeneration. Dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods are great sources.
- Antioxidants: Found in berries, nuts, and dark chocolate, antioxidants help protect your joints from oxidative stress
- Curcumin (Turmeric): A powerful natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce arthritis pain and swelling.
Nutrition Before & After Joint Replacement
Before surgery, a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory foods helps strengthen the body. After surgery, many of the same foods support tissue repair, aid muscle recovery, and help manage post-operative swelling. Adequate protein intake is crucial for muscle repair, while collagen promotes tissue regeneration. Anti-inflammatory foods continue to play a vital role in reducing pain and swelling. Supplements like MEND Joint Replacement can further enhance recovery by providing targeted nutrients that promote healing, reduce pain, and support overall joint function.
MEND: Optimized Nutrition for Joint Replacement
If you're preparing for or considering a hip or knee replacement due to advanced arthritis, proper nutrition plays a key role in your recovery. MEND helps bridge nutritional gaps with a scientifically formulated blend of essential nutrients, including essential amino acids (EAAs), to support healing and mobility. By promoting wound healing, preserving muscle mass, and reducing post-surgical complications, MEND helps patients regain function and return to daily activities with greater ease.
While joint replacement is the gold-standard treatment for advanced arthritis, optimizing the body’s nutrition can help ease arthritis symptoms and support recovery. The right nutrients reduce inflammation, support cartilage health, and improve mobility, making movement more comfortable before and after surgery. Prioritizing nutrition throughout the journey can enhance recovery, ease arthritis-related discomfort, and help you return to daily activities with greater ease.
AUTHOR: Andrew R. Noble MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement at Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute. Fellowship-trained at Harvard Medical School's Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Noble is recognized as a top doctor in his field. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), having published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and presented at prestigious national conferences.
