What a Good Diet Can Do for Your SI Joint?

Estimated reading time: 0 minutes

Certain foods may worsen or decrease sacroiliac (SI) joint inflammatory discomfort. Making good food choices will help you lessen SI joint pain and keep your immune system healthy, preventing further inflammation.

Prolonged SI joint inflammation can cause joint damage over time, increasing the risk of developing arthritis.

It’s important to realize that not all cases of sacroiliitis proceed to arthritis, and that the evolution of arthritis differs from person to person. 6 Early sacroiliitis detection and treatment can help avoid or slow the progression of arthritis.

If you are having symptoms of sacroiliitis or arthritis, you should see a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal discomfort. This will allow you to determine the underlying cause of your problems and build a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

The connection between nutrition, the immune system, and inflammation

Foods that cause joint inflammation in the SI

If you have SI joint pain, you must avoid foods that cause inflammation in your body. Processed foods are among the most prevalent inflammatory foods, as stated below:

•    Sugar. Sugar consumption can contribute to weight increase, which is a known risk factor for inflammation. Sugar consumption also produces a quick rise in blood sugar levels, which prompts the release of insulin. High insulin levels can promote inflammation in the body. 

•     Carbohydrates that have been refined. White flour goods (bread, rolls, crackers), white rice, white potatoes, and some cereals are examples of refined carbs. These foods with a high glycemic index promote the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE), which cause inflammation in the body. 

•     Fats that are saturated. Saturated fats are a type of fat found in animal products including meat, butter, and cheese. They can also be present in plant-based meals like coconut and palm oil. Saturated fat consumption can elicit an inflammatory response by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that can cause inflammation.  Saturated fat consumption can also aggravate arthritic inflammation, which is a typical cause of SI joint pain. 

•     Trans fatty acids. Fast food, fried foods, processed snack items, frozen breakfast products, cookies, and most stick margarine contain trans fats. Trans fats have been linked to the development of insulin resistance, which can eventually lead to chronic inflammation. 

•     Alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption compromises liver function and can cause inflammation. Long-term alcohol intake has been associated to the creation of pro-inflammatory chemicals. 

It is recommended that these foods be avoided as much as possible in order to aid the body’s recovery from inflammation and to prevent future damage to tissues and organs.

It is recommended that these foods be avoided as much as possible in order to aid the body’s recovery from inflammation and to prevent future damage to tissues and organs.

Foods that may aid in the reduction of SI joint inflammation

Certain meals have been demonstrated to lower inflammation, strengthen bones, and improve the immune system, according to good data. Incorporating these foods into your normal diet may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of SI joint pain.

Anti-inflammatory foods commonly consumed include:

•  Fruits. Fruits are inherently sweet, and many include significant amounts of antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.

Antioxidant-rich berries, such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries, and red raspberries, aid the body in removing free radicals that cause inflammation. Three avocados. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. This type of fat is anti-inflammatory and has been related to a lower risk of joint injury in osteoarthritis.

• Vegetables. Vegetables are high in antioxidants and important nutrients, which protect cells and reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the joints. Leafy greens. Vitamins A, C, and K are abundant in cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and bok choy, which protect cells from free radical damage. 

 Another advantage of these veggies is the presence of sulforaphane, a natural chemical. According to research, sulforaphane inhibits the inflammatory process and may decrease cartilage deterioration in some arthritic disorders. Vegetables with 11 bulbs. Onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots are high in quercetin, a form of antioxidant. According to research, quercetin can help reduce inflammation in the body.

•  Fish. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, have anti-inflammatory properties. These molecules are prevalent in fatty fish, and fish oils have been found to slow the progression of arthritis and reduce inflammatory compound production. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are all good sources of omega-3 fatty fish. 
•     Grain that is whole. Whole grains are made up of three parts: bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains lack the bran and germ, which contain the majority of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Consumption of whole grains with all of their natural layers has been associated with reduced blood levels of inflammatory markers. Whole grains include whole wheat, oats, brown rice, quinoa, and buckwheat, to name a few.
•     Seeds and nuts. Nuts and seeds contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, protein, antioxidant vitamins, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid. Walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, flaxseed, and chia seeds are  examples of anti-inflammatory nuts and seeds.
•     Spices. Certain spices have been demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. Garlic, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are common examples. 
•     Oils. Every oil has a combination of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. The ratio of these various fatty acids affects whether the oil or fat is anti-inflammatory or not. Olive, grapeseed, walnut, avocado, and soybean oil are among the anti-inflammatory oils. Polyphenol-containing beverages. Polyphenols are plant chemicals that have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols included in green, black, and white teas help to reduce inflammation and prevent cartilage deterioration.   Coffee is high in antioxidant polyphenols, which have been demonstrated to decrease inflammation. 
•     Water. Hydration is essential for eliminating inflammatory poisons that cause inflammation. Adequate water consumption can assist maintain joints lubricated and minimise the influence of inflammatory chemicals. It is generally advised to drink at least 64 oz of water every day (eight 8 oz glasses). This amount, however, may vary based on your age and level of activity. 

Avoiding inflammatory foods and including anti-inflammatory items in your diet can be a good lifestyle choice for reducing the symptoms of SI joint discomfort and chronic inflammation.

It is critical to understand that dietary changes are not panaceas or stand-alone remedies for SI joint discomfort. Before attempting a new diet, home remedy, or supplement, consult with your doctor to confirm that it will not conflict with your current prescriptions or health.

Related-

Know more about Ayurvedic Spinal Disk & Radiculopathy Treatments.