Arthritis pain is problematic for many people. It may impact the quality of life and limit participation in physical activity. Starting an arthritis treatment diet may help decrease the amount of pain that arthritis causes. This diet will add foods that work to quell the inflammation and swelling in the body that is linked to arthritis. A focus on natural, low sugar and low fat foods will help the body obtain optimum health and limit the inflammation of arthritis.
Selenium
To help the body fight arthritis, selenium helps blunt pain. This mineral is found in Brazil nuts, tuna, turkey, wheat germ and crab. When a diet is lacking in selenium arthritis pain may become more severe.
Vitamin-C-Rich Foods
An arthritis treatment diet should be full of foods that contain a lot of vitamin C. These foods will help limit the symptoms of arthritis. Foods that are a rich source of Vitamin C include red and green peppers, oranges, strawberries, kidney beans, broccoli, kiwi and mango. Try to obtain vitamin C from the diet rather than supplements.
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
The arthritis diet is helped by the use extra virgin olive oil in cooking to help the body fight the pain of arthritis. Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy fat that works to ward off inflammation in the body.
Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3-rich foods help the body fight inflammation and prevent plaque build up. Rich sources of omega-3 include pumpkin seeds, salmon, oysters, tofu, soybeans, walnuts, herring, rainbow trout, flax seed and omega-3 fortified eggs, juice and other fortified products.
Spices
The spices ginger, cloves and tumeric help prevent arthritis pain. These spices all have a strong anti-inflammatory action in the body. You can grate the spices and add them to salads, soups and dips and sprinkle them on chicken and other foods. Do not use ginger if on an anticoagulant, as ginger may thin the blood. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using spices to treat arthritis.
Foods to Avoid
To prevent arthritis pain from worsening, avoid certain foods, including corn oil, sunflower oil, simple carbohydrates, foods that contain trans fats and junk food. Sugar use should also be limited, as it may cause inflammation and weight gain. Also, limit the amount of red meat consumed. Red mead consumption may increase inflammation in the body and exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Gradually work to switch to a mostly low-fat, plant-based diet to help alleviate the pain of arthritis.
