There is no diet cure for arthritis, but, certain foods have been reported to help in fighting inflammation, boosting your immune system and strengthening bones. Adding the foods below into your balanced diet may help to ease the symptoms of your arthritis. Let’s find out how.
7 Best Foods for Arthritis:
1. Broccoli
Broccoli contains essential components that could help in reducing symptoms of arthritis. An example is, sulforaphane, which is a compound that is present in broccoli. Test-tube studies have reported that it blocks the formation of a type of cell that is associated in rheumatoid arthritis development.
Also, an animal study reported that sulforaphane could help in reducing the production of certain inflammatory markers which contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. While more studies on human are needed, these animal and test-tube study results showed that the compounds in broccoli may help in decreasing the symptoms of arthritis.
2. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, including grapefruits, oranges, and limes, are loaded with vitamin C. Research showed that getting the right amount of vitamin helps in maintaining healthy joints and preventing inflammatory arthritis with osteoarthritis (OA). Citrus fruits are great for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish including tuna, salmon, mackerel and trout are loaded in omega-3 fatty acids, which help in fighting inflammation. You can try adding fish into your diet a couple of times a week. If you are not a big fan of fish, you can ask your doctor about taking an omega-3 supplement.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a member of the allium family that also includes leeks and onions. These items contain a compound called diallyl disulfide, that may help with a number of diseases, including that of arthritis.
Accodrind to rheumatologist Scott Zashin, MD, who is a clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, “This compound may have some effect in limiting cartilage-damaging enzymes”.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, which are antioxidants believed to help in reducing inflammation, and also slow cartilage destruction. Studies showed that another antioxidant in green tea known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) blocks the production of molecules which cause joint damage in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Great tea is great for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
6. Tart Cherries
Some people who are suffering from arthritis have found relief from products that were made from tart cherries. The ingredient that is present in cherries that helps with joint symptoms is similar to the one that gives this fruit its red color, known as anthocyanin.
A 2013 study that was published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage reported that study participants who drank tart cherry juice had improvements in the stiffness and pain of OA.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts are nutrient-dense, and are filled with compounds that may help in reducing the inflammation linked with joint disease. An analysis of 13 studies reported that eating walnuts was linked with reduced markers of inflammation.
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been reported to decrease the symptoms of arthritis.
