Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, a leading cause of bone-related disabilities affecting the quality of life of a huge segment of the global population. To eradicate this problem, non-pharmacological treatments like diet and lifestyle modification (weight loss, Tai chi, cupping therapy, kinesio taping, ultrasound and whole-body vibration, low-level laser therapy, manual therapy, electrotherapy, mudpack therapy, and moxibustion) are effective along with medical treatments. Nowadays, these preventive and therapeutic remedies are getting more attention as adjuvant measures due to enhanced awareness among the common people. In most OA management guidelines, dietary modifications along with effective exercises and therapies are preferred over other existing treatments owing to their safe nature and significant positive effects on reverting the OA symptoms. Scientific evidence has shown that food components such as phytochemicals, polyphenols, flavonoids, epigallocatechin 3-gallate, ellagic acid (EA), vitamins, minerals, extracellular vesicles, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate have a promising effect on relieving the OA symptoms and slowing down its progression due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review summarizes the evidence-based dietary and lifestyle modifications for improved bone health with special reference to OA.

Novelty impact statement

This review summarizes the evidence-based non-pharmacological approach with reference to diet (phytochemicals, antioxidants, nutrients), lifestyle modification (exercises, other therapies), and comments on the effect of food processing on bioactive compounds in the management of OA. This data can serve as a benchmark or guideline for clinicians, practitioners, researchers, and patients to manage the OA.