Best Foods for Arthritis

Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any of the 98 other types, the problem causing your pain is inflammation. So first and foremost, follow the advice of your doctor.

But there are other things you can do to help, and one of those is eating certain foods.

1. Fatty fish
   The omega-3 in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, black cod and albacore tuna tend to tamp down inflammation before it starts. As with all fish, we have to keep to to a couple of servings a week, as some fish may have mercury in it.
2. Nuts and Seeds
   Think walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, pistachios and almonds. These nuts are rich in magnesium, l-arginine and vitamin E, which are known to help keep inflammation down. Once again, we recommend small servings, as nuts and seeds are rich in good fats, but even good fats are only good in small quantities.
   
3. Broccoli
   With the benefits of vitamins K and C and even calcium and sulforaphane, broccoli may help ease inflammation and help build healthy bone.
4. Garlic
   Besides its awesome flavor, garlic contains diallyl disulphine, which may limit cartilage-damaging enzymes, and keep inflammation down.
5. Berries and fruits
   Berries and fruits contain antioxidants. Those can break down free radicals. Without getting too deeply into atoms and electrons, according to the free radical theory of aging, free radicals break cells down over time. So breaking down free radicals can help your cells retain their youth. It’s not Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, but every little bit helps!
   
6. Oils
   Healthy oils and fats have a higher count of unsaturated fatty acids and a lower one of saturated fatty acids. Those include Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Walnut Oil, Canola Oil and Avocado Oil. Walnut Oil shouldn’t be heated, but rather used as flavoring in a salad dressing. But the others can be used for cooking.
7. Green Tea
   Green tea contains polyphenols, antioxidants believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage destruction.
8. Citrus fruits
   Rich in Vitamin C, citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges help prevent inflammation and maintain healthy joints.
   
9. Beans
   Fiber helps lower C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. CRP is a marker of inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. And beans are packed with fiber!
10. Green Leafy Vegetables
    Vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants make these healthy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens high on dietitians’ lists of anti-inflammatory and healthy foods.

    So there you have it! Stock up on these healthy foods and feel better!