Inflammation is one of the main causes of the joint pain experienced by people with arthritis, and while medications and exercise can play a role in managing inflammation, the foods you eat can play a role in helping to control inflammation, too. Foods which affect arthritis can have a beneficial or a negative effect on inflammation and other factors that contribute to arthritis pain. Keep in mind that there are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, so you may want to talk to your rheumatologist about foods to eat or avoid for your particular condition.
Foods that Reduce Inflammation
Adding certain foods to your diet can actually help reduce the inflammation that causes arthritis pain. Strawberries may lower the amount of a protein in your blood called C-reactive protein that's associated with inflammation, according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health cited in "Arthritis Today" magazine. A compound in extra-virgin olive oil helps prevent the production of inflammation-causing enzymes in the body, so adding olive oil to your diet may help decrease inflammation, according to research from the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, also published in "Arthritis Today." And Colorado State University's Nutrition column notes that the omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish like salmon and tuna can reduce inflammation for some people who have arthritis.
Foods That Increase Inflammation
Other foods have a tendency to increase inflammation--and consequently, the arthritis pain it causes. The omega-6 fatty acids found in snack foods, fried foods, margarine, egg yolks and meat can stimulate inflammation-causing enzymes in the body, according to "Arthritis Today" magazine. People who have arthritis should limit their intake of these foods and avoid foods made with corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil and safflower oil, all of which contain omega-6 fatty acids.
Foods That Affect Arthritis in Other Ways
Contributing to inflammation isn't the only way diet affects arthritis. A balanced diet, containing plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy, is essential since extra weight exacerbates arthritis pain, according to Colorado State University's Nutrition column. Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, including low-fat dairy products, helps reduce your risk for osteoporosis, a condition for which people with arthritis have increased risk.
