Last Updated on March 4, 2023 by admin
Table of Contents
Introduction
Food is a form of medicine, that maintains the body’s processes, preventing harm, and keeping us healthy and less at risk for developing an illness. We must take in the proper nutrients, otherwise, certain body parts could break down, leading to health issues.
If you have arthritis, there are specific foods that you can consume which will ease your symptoms and improve your overall health. Additionally, you can try natural joint pain treatments such as regular exercise, meditation, massage, and hot and cold compresses.
What Is the Arthritis Diet?
People who have arthritis benefit greatly from a specific diet, which focuses on certain key foods and excludes others. According to Health Web Magazine, an arthritis diet should include foods that are high in anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and pain in the joints.
It should also be high in antioxidant-rich foods, which support a strong immune system. They kill free radicals, which help heal damage to the joints and cartilage and slow its deterioration. A review in Nutrition Journal listed the total antioxidant content of over 3,100 foods worldwide.
The arthritis diet also involves avoiding foods rich in inflammatory properties, like saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids. If you follow this regimen strictly, it should do a lot to lessen your joint discomfort and decrease your need for other joint pain treatments.
What Are the Best Foods for Arthritis?
Make sure to follow a diet rich in the following foods for better joint health and reduction of pain and inflammation.
1] Fatty Fish
Fatty fish includes mackerel, herring, salmon, and tuna. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce swelling and pain in the joints and help to improve mobility.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Some patients were able to go off their prescription pain medication.
2] Cherries
These sweet fruits contain a pigment called anthocyanins. They have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can decrease arthritis symptoms. They contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamins C, K, and A, magnesium, and potassium, and they’re high in calcium, which supports the bones. There’s evidence to indicate that cherries are effective in the management of gout.
3] Broccoli
This vegetable is incredibly healthy and includes vitamins K and C. It’s high in calcium, which elevates bone health. Moreover, it carries a compound called sulforaphane, which could slow the course of osteoarthritis and reduce inflammation.
Broccoli is also very high in antioxidants, which work to eliminate free radicals in your system and lower oxidative stress. This helps heal damage to the joints and cartilage, as well as strengthen the immune system.
4] Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons include antioxidants called polyphenols, which can repair damage to the joints and cartilage and make the immune system stronger.
According to an article in Food and Function, there’s evidence that polyphenols can ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It is due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which fight pain and swelling in the joints.
5] Healthy Oils
Oils that are high in healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and walnut oil are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and ease joint symptoms. Olive oil, in particular, contains a compound called oleocanthal, which is an extremely powerful anti-inflammatory. These oils also contain antioxidants, which can decrease oxidative damage and repair the joints.
What Are the Worst Foods for Arthritis?
1] Processed Foods
Many processed foods include trans and other unhealthy fats, which can trigger an inflammatory reaction and worsen your symptoms. Avoid baked goods, any packaged foods, or items that have partially hydrogenated oils in their ingredients. Consume only real, whole foods.
2] Refined Sugar
Sugar is poison to arthritis sufferers. It causes the body to produce harmful proteins called cytokines, which lead to a tremendous amount of inflammation in the body. Products with sugar often include other unhealthy ingredients like trans fats.
An observational study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regular sweetened soda was associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.
3] Gluten
Many people are sensitive to gluten, and as it happens, there may be a connection between celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Even if you aren’t specifically intolerant to gluten, it’s packed with inflammatory properties and will only exacerbate your symptoms. Many arthritis sufferers find their pain improves when they switch to a gluten-free diet.
4] Nightshade Vegetables
Vegetables in the nightshade family include potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, bell, and chili peppers. They are foods that an arthritis sufferer should avoid because they are known to worsen the pain. They contain a compound, which could be toxic when exposed to light, called solanine. This can worsen symptoms and accelerate cartilage breakdown.
5] Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Much of the research indicates that omega-6 fatty acids can lead to increased inflammation, which worsens the pain and swelling of arthritis. Foods that have them include peanut butter, eggs, tofu, avocado oil, walnuts, almonds, and cashews.
A review published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids found that the research was mixed. Some results demonstrated an increase in inflammation with omega-6 fatty acids, while others did not.
Should You Try a Natural Supplement?
In addition to following a nutritious arthritis diet, people with arthritis can benefit from taking one of the top joint pain supplements on the market to ease symptoms. Good natural joint support products contain rich organic ingredients, which can reduce inflammation and pain.
The supplement Omega XL is one of the better joint products and may ease pain and swelling. Most of the Omega XL reviews had good things to say about this product and were satisfied with the results.
Conclusion
Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition at times. Fortunately, there are a number of both medicinal and natural remedies like top joint pain supplements, which can reduce symptoms and restore quality of life. Some lifestyle methods can have a potent effect on symptoms.
As Health Web Magazine has pointed out, nutrition can have a huge impact on arthritis symptoms. Foods that are high in anti-inflammatory properties, in particular, can reduce pain and swell in the joints. Furthermore, meals that include antioxidants heal damage to the joints and help rebuild cartilage.
Healthy, arthritis-friendly foods include soy, fatty fish, citrus, beans, olive oil, safflower oil, and many others. There is also a group of food items that have a very negative impact on arthritis symptoms, some of which act as inflammatory agents. Stay away from processed foods, refined sugars, trans fats, omega-6 fatty acids, nightshade vegetables, and saturated fat.
Adding a natural supplement to your overall treatment plan is a good idea, and there are several good brands on the market. The Omega XL reviews spoke well of the product and said helps reduce arthritis symptoms. With the combination of a healthy arthritis diet and an effective supplement, your joints should be at their best in no time.
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