Foods to Quell–or Stimulate–Joint Pain

Diet can have a major impact in how well your joints work as you age

Minimally processed and whole foods can combat inflammation and support your joints. DUSAN ZIDAR/Shutterstock

You might not think your food choices have much of an impact on joint health—but they do. Food choices can influence whether your joints limit your livelihood with severe pain, or allow you to get out and enjoy life.

One way food influences your joints is through nutrients that promote tissue growth in your joints. Another is that they can either inflame or reduce inflammation. And finally, some calorically dense foods that are low in nutrition can promote weight gain, which puts increased stress on your joints.