Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative, non-inflammatory disease where the cartilage of the joint gradually breaks down and causes pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs in multiple joints. Joint pain with arthritis usually worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Arthritis is common in the hands, wrists, knees, hips and back, but can occur in any joint. It is often associated with morning stiffness. With the right diet, osteoarthritis symptoms can be significantly reduced. Supplements are hard to remember to take, but a delicious smoothie is easy to slurp, particularly with these bone and joint supporting ingredients:

1. Flaxseed
The polyunsaturated fat in omega-3 fatty acids found in these oils help reduce inflammation. If inflammation in the joint is reduced, pain associated with arthritis will improve.

2. Plain yogurt
Yogurt is high in many vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Calcium is important for bone health. Since osteoporosis results in decreased bone density, the calcium in yogurt can help maintain strong, healthy bones.

3. Dark greens
Dark greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens contain high amounts of Vitamin D. This helps with calcium absorption which can help keep bones strong in those with osteoporosis. Calcium or calcium supplements alone are not useful without Vitamin D because the body will not be able to absorb it. Other benefits of dark greens and spinach include phytochemicals and antioxidants to fight stress and immune boosters to prevent infections.

4. Dried figs
Like yogurt, dried figs are another rich source of calcium. They are also high in potassium which can help prevent excretion of extra calcium by the kidneys into the urine.

5. Fish oils
Flax oils contain omega-3 fatty acids to help with joint inflammation. On the other hand, saturated fats should be avoided because they can result in more inflammation in fatty tissue. Eating a healthy diet with the proper supplements and ingredients can help maintain an ideal body weight. Obesity creates more stress on the joints causing more inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and ultimately more pain.

Sometimes diet alone is not enough. Evenity and Prolia medications are often prescribed by doctors to treat osteoporosis. Evenity is only given after menopause and helps increase bone density in the short-term, acute phase. Prolia is for chronic treatment because it helps bone growth and increases bone mass. Due to risk of rebound bone loss, both Evenity and Prolia must be taken as scheduled. Missed doses could result in return or worsening bone density loss.