Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation of the knees, wrists, elbows, spine or hands, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition is commonly treated with doctor-prescribed medications or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents. In addition to these medications, adjusting your daily diet to include anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce the swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
Foods Rich in Carotenes
An article published by dietitian Joy Bauer on MSNBC suggests a diet rich in carotenes benefits arthritis sufferers. Carotenes are powerful antioxidant nutrients found in vegetables and fruits. The carotene called beta cryptoxanthin may contribute to preventing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, according to the 2007 article "Fight arthritis with these foods." Foods with high beta cryptoxanthin content include tangerines, pumpkin, corn oranges and peppers.
Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids benefit arthritis suffers by relieving them of associated symptoms. These fatty acids work by decreasing the amount of enzymes that attack bone cartilage and reducing inflammation in the body. Common foods with substantial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids include sardines, salmon, halibut, herring, walnuts and anchovies.
Foods Rich in Bioflavonoids
Diets rich in bioflavonoids can prove beneficial to arthritis sufferers, according to the article "Fight arthritis with these foods." Bioflavonoids are antioxidant nutrients that work to free the body of free radicals that contribute to cell damage in the body. Bioflavonoids also contain quercetin, a chemical compound that produces anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of ibuprofen and aspirin. Foods rich in bioflavonoids include cherry tomatoes, broccoli, onions, red apples, raspberries, green tea, red grapes, citrus fruit, buckwheat, black currents and blueberries. Smaller amounts are also found in beans and leafy green vegetables.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Arthritis
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Arthritis and Nutrition
- Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine: Foods and Arthritis
- Arthritis Today: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: RA and Food Allergies
- Joy Bauer, R.D., M.S., C.D.N: Fight arthritis with these foods, Oct 2007
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