Arthritis is a painful condition involving inflammation of the joints. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine states that arthritis affects more than 20 million Americans. Though many people use over-the-counter and prescription drugs to control the pain of arthritis, an often overlooked treatment option for arthritis is a change in diet. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine explains that while some foods can trigger pain in arthritis, other foods can decrease the pain and swelling from the condition.
Fish
The fatty acids found in some types of fish may help to decrease the inflammation associated with arthritis, especially in rheumatoid arthritis, notes the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Instead of supplementing with fish oil tablets, the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center recommends eating fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring a few times each week. More research is needed to determine how effective eating fish truly is in decreasing the effects of arthritis.
Fruits and Vegetables
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to decrease the pain caused by arthritis, according to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine explains that antioxidants and fiber found in fruits and vegetables can reduce joint stiffness and pain, especially in rheumatoid arthritis. It states that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables can prevent some of the damage done by free radicals so that the effects of arthritis are controlled. It's a good idea for people with arthritis to aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Whole Grains
While refined grains like white bread and pasta may worsen the symptoms of arthritis, the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine states that whole grains, like brown rice, do not contribute to pain. The fiber in whole grains may actually help to reduce joint stiffness, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. People with arthritis may benefit by switching from regular pasta to whole wheat pasta, and white rice to brown rice.
Tofu
While tofu is not known to have any inherent qualities to decrease the symptoms of arthritis, it is a good food for arthritics to eat because it replaces meat. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine explains that all meat products, whether beef, chicken, turkey or pork, have inflammatory qualities which can worsen the pain and swelling from arthritis. Tofu can be used as a high-protein replacement for meats a few times a week. Tofu takes the flavor or whatever it is cooked with, so it is suitable for casseroles, soups and stir-fry meals.
