5 Joint-Friendly Foods, and 5 That May Hurt Them

Osteoarthritis isn't just an old-person's condition—joint pain can start in your early 30s. Keep these picks and skips in mind for healthy hips, knees, and more.

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Hallie Levine
October 19, 2015
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You can eat for healthy joints

Knee pain while climbing stairs is often the first sign of osteoarthritis (OA), according to a 2015 University of Leeds study. Your MD may prescribe physical therapy or show you some exercises to do at home—and recommend a more joint-friendly diet. Certain foods protect against arthritis, while others can worsen it. Keep these picks and skips in mind the next time you hit the grocery store.

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Best: Low-fat milk

A study at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that the more low-fat or fat-free milk women drink, the slower their progression of knee osteoarthritis.

RELATED: 10 Exercises for Healthy Knees
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Best: Wine

Folks who drank four to six glasses a week were less likely to get knee OA, according to a recent U.K. study. One theory credits wine's antioxidants.

RELATED: How to Pour a Perfect Serving of Wine  
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Best: Virgin olive oil

It contains a compound that helps lower the levels of inflammatory enzymes in the body, similar to the way some NSAIDs work.

RELATED: 13 Ways Inflammation Can Affect Your Health
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Best: Fatty fish

They're loaded with inflammation-busting omega-3 fatty acids, which animal studies suggest can help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. Try these 24 healthy fish recipes.
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Best: Cherry juice

Drinking two cups of tart cherry juice daily reduced inflammation in the body, helping ease OA symptoms, per a 2012 Oregon Health & Science University study.

RELATED: 14 Foods That Fight Inflammation
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Worst: Cheese

The Brigham and Women's Hospital study reported that eating cheese could speed up the progression of knee OA, possibly due to its high fat content.
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Worst: Soda

Women who had one sugary soft drink a day were at higher risk of developing RA than those who skipped it, found a 2014 Harvard study.

RELATED: Should You Rethink 0-Calorie Drinks?
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Worst: Beer

The more you drink, the greater your odds of knee or hip osteoarthritis, per the U.K. study. It could be the extra pressure on joints from the dreaded "beer belly".
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Worst: Bacon

The high amount of saturated fat in this Sunday breakfast favorite causes inflammation in your body, which can worsen arthritis.
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Worst: Trans fat

Found in many baked goods, chips and fried foods, it's a double whammy on your joints, triggering inflammation and weight gain.

RELATED: 22 Worst Foods for Trans Fat

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