Blueberries Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain
Osteoarthritis, the gradual wearing down of joints like the knees, hips, and spine, is incredibly common, especially among an aging population. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 30 million American adults suffer from osteoarthritis. Even though the side effects of many prescription drugs have become well known, many people will still assume that overall, they are the only choice. Additionally, people may feel steered to prescription or over-the-counter choices that will relieve pain but at a great price to the health of the liver and digestive system.
Fortunately, there is a better choice, and it comes from one of the most familiar foods: blueberries.
Blueberries have frequently been cited as having vision-preserving and heart-protecting actions, as well as being great sources of brain-supporting compounds, but it turns out that these amazing fruits can help keep joints functioning properly as well.
A clinical study found that a powdered form from freeze-dried blueberry fruits reduced pain and stiffness and improved walking gait in individuals with knee osteoarthritis after just four months. As a natural medicine, this superfruit was especially effective when it was incorporated into a daily regimen, which is all the more reason to get the full rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day.
Abstract:
Du C, Smith A, Avalos M, et al. Blueberries Improve Pain, Gait Performance, and Inflammation in Individuals with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis. Nutrients. 2019 Jan 29;11(2). pii: E290.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the world and is the most frequent cause of walking related disability among older adults in the US, which brings a significant economic burden and reduces quality of life. The initiation and development of OA typically involves degeneration or progressive loss of the structure and function of articular cartilage. Inflammation is one of the major drives of the progression of OA. Dietary polyphenols have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential anabolic effects on the cartilage cells. Blueberries are widely consumed and are high in dietary polyphenols, therefore regular consumption of blueberries may help improve OA. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of freeze dried whole blueberries on pain, gait performance, and inflammation in individuals with symptomatic knee OA. In a randomized, double-blind trial, adults age 45 to 79 with symptomatic knee OA, were randomized to either consume 40 g freeze-dried blueberry powder (n = 33) or placebo powder (n = 30) daily for four months. Blood draws and assessment of pain and gait were conducted at baseline, two months, and four months. Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires were used to assess pain and GAITRite® electronic walkway was used to evaluate gait spatiotemporal parameters. WOMAC total score and sub-groups, including pain, stiffness, and difficulty to perform daily activities decreased significantly in the blueberry treatment group (p < 0.05), but improvement of WOMAC total score and difficulty to perform daily activities were not observed in the placebo group. Normal walking pace single support percentage for both limbs increased (p = or < 0.007), while double support percentage for both limbs decreased in the blueberry treatment group (p = or < 0.003). No significant changes were observed in plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3, MMP-13, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in both treatment groups. However, an increasing trend for IL-13 concentration and a decreasing trend in MCP-1 concentration were noted in the blueberry group. The findings of this study suggest that daily incorporation of whole blueberries may reduce pain, stiffness, and difficulty to perform daily activities, while improving gait performance, and would therefore improve quality of life in individuals with symptomatic knee OA.
