Meniscus Tear

Cartilage itself lacks blood vessels and receives nutrients from synovial fluid. Therefore, a diet that improves the quality of synovial fluid indirectly supports cartilage. Evidence-based nutritional elements: ① Vitamin C — essential for collagen cross-linking, ② Omega-3 — anti-inflammatory through the COX-2 pathway, ③ Glucosamine and Chondroitin — components of the cartilage matrix (clinical evidence is mixed in supplement form, but safe as food). Things to avoid: High-sugar foods (glycation of cartilage due to AGE formation), saturated and trans fats (increases inflammatory cytokines), and excessive alcohol consumption (promotes chondrocyte apoptosis). Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective In Korean medicine, it is believed that sufficient nutrients for building muscle and cartilage are produced only when gastrointestinal function, responsible for digestion and absorption, is healthy. Cold raw foods, raw meals, and greasy foods damage the digestive system, causing waste buildup and adding swelling and heaviness to the joints. At Dongjedang, we provide dietary guidance that creates a warm digestive environment alongside treatment. For those with a tendency towards weak kidney energy, regularly consuming foods that support kidney function, such as black beans, black sesame seeds, oysters, and eels, can help slow down the rate of cartilage degeneration.