Arthritis is an inflammatory disease characterized by stiffness, pain, swelling, diminished range of motion and deformity in the joints. An increasing amount of research shows that adjusting your diet to include more anti-inflammatory foods can help treat arthritis, reports the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Foods such as vegetables, fruits and fish may help ease or alleviate your arthritis pain.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which contributes to joint inflammation and deterioration, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. All vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants. Examples of foods with substantial amounts of antioxidants include citrus fruits, tart cherries, green tea, kale, spinach, chard and other dark leafy green vegetables.
Omega-3 Fats
EPA and DHA, scientifically known as docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, are omega-3 fatty acids known to naturally produce substances that prevent inflammation and decrease joint pain, notes the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. Foods with beneficial amounts of omega-3 fats include tuna, halibut, pecans, flax seeds, olive oil, flax seed oil, salmon and avocados.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a phytochemical substance associated with inflammation. In the article "Fight arthritis with these foods," Joy Bauer explains that capsaicin is currently being studied as treatment for arthritis pain and sensory nerve fiber disorders. The hottest chili peppers typically contain the largest amounts of capsaicin. The hottest peppers include jalapeño, habañero, cayenne, chipotle, ancho and Anaheim.
Sulfur-Containing Foods
Sulfur is vital for repairing and building cartilage, bone and connective tissue. Sulfur also helps to decrease arthritis inflammation. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine recommends you eat more sulfur-containing foods such as onions, asparagus, sprouts, garlic, eggs, cabbage, legumes, grains, parsley, watermelon, bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds and Swiss Chard.
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
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
