Best Foods To Help Manage Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a painful inflammation of the joints and along the bones. It can be caused by wear and tear on your body, such as osteoarthritis (OA), or the result of an autoimmune response, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Whether you're suffering from OA or RA, your diet can have a significant impact on your arthritis inflammation and pain level.
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Allium Family
Not only is garlic yummy, but it contains diallyl disulfide. This compound is especially good for those with OA, as it protects your cartilage from breaking down. Cartilage is the spongy tissue in your joints that keeps your bones from getting too close and pinching your nerves. You need healthy cartilage for flexibility and motion.
Fatty Fish
RA sufferers can benefit from eating more fatty fish, such as salmon and trout. If you don't like fish, many RA sufferers gain benefit from a fish oil supplement.
Ginger
Both forms of arthritis can get relief from inflammation by increasing their intake of ginger. Whether you take powdered ginger, enjoy a little fresh ginger in a salad, try some fresh brewed ginger tea, or take a supplement, this versatile and tasty root helps to block inflammation in the body. Anyone struggling with autoimmune issues would likely benefit from some ginger in their diet.
Greens
Fresh spinach and crunchy broccoli are just a couple of the veggies you can enjoy, helping you reduce arthritis pain. They are high in antioxidants, particularly kaempferol, which has been shown to prevent the increasing joint wear of OA. Sautee broccoli in a bit of olive oil with some fresh garlic and toss on freshly grated parmesan cheese. Yum!
Berries
Berries, whether fresh or dried, are loaded with antioxidants. You need calcium anyway, so why not mix a healthy batch of plain yogurt with frozen berries to have as a snack throughout the week? It will be lower in sugar, more flavorful than processed berry yogurts, and help you keep up your berry/antioxidant intake.
Grapes
Arthritis pain may be reduced, or at least your pain level can be more manageable, if you can reduce your inflammation level. Try a cup of grapes as a snack to boost your intake of proanthocyanidin. Proanthocyanidin can reduce inflammation in your joints.
A few other foods that may also help you manage your arthritis pain include walnuts, cherry juice, olive oil, and citrus fruits. If your hands ache in the morning, or your knees hurt when you first get up, keep a food journal, and note how many times you eat the healthy foods listed above. Check in with your joints to see how you're feeling. Arthritis pain is often about management. If you can exercise gently and change your diet, you may be able to greatly reduce your daily discomfort and gain some control over your condition.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
