People with troublesome arthritis pain in their knees may want to consider changing the menu, according to a small trial. Researchers at the University of Alabama in Birmingham studied the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on joint pain.
Twenty-one arthritis sufferers between 65 and 75 years old were randomly assigned to follow a low-carb diet, a low-fat diet or their usual diet for three months (Strath et al, Pain Medicine, online, March 13, 2019). The investigators assessed the participants’ pain and quality of life every three weeks during that time.
Did a Low-Carbohydrate Diet Help Ease Knee Pain?
People who followed a low-carbohydrate diet had less pain and were better able to walk for a distance and stand up from sitting. The researchers noted that the improvement could not be attributed to weight loss alone. (A low-carb diet is frequently used to achieve weight loss.)
Diet quality was paramount. A healthful low-carbohydrate diet with lots of leafy vegetables and healthful fats such as nuts and olive oil can be helpful. It may not be quite as effective for relieving knee pain as NSAIDs or opioids. On the other hand, such a diet is less likely to have unpleasant side effects than the drugs.
Learn More:
If you would like advice on how to follow a healthful low-carb diet, you may want to consult our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies. In it, we discuss the low-carb diet, DASH diet and Mediterranean diet patterns. You might also be interested in listening to a few interviews we have done with diet experts. We spoke with Dr. David Ludwig a few times, in Show 1020: How to Lose Weight Without Feeling Hungry, and in Show 1149: Is Cutting Carbs More Important Than Cutting Calories? We also interviewed Dr. Jason Fung on intermittent fasting to control blood sugar and protect the kidneys. It is Show 1143: Can You Control Your Blood Sugar by Fasting? You may also be interested in a different perspective, from Dr. Christopher Gardner of Stanford, who led the DIETFITS study. You’ll find it in Show 1126: Can You Find Your Best Diet?
Our book, The Graedons’ Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis, may also interest you.
4/15/19 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/will-a-keto-diet-help-eliminate-your-knee-pain/
