Foods for Arthritis
Arthritis is a frustrating condition that calls for a complex treatment plan, and while medication is usually an important part, what you choose to eat can make a big difference, too.
You might be surprised at the array of natural ingredients that can help soothe pain, relieve inflammation, and even slow the progression of rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
It can take some trial and error to find the most effective diet for you, but start by adding these arthritis-friendly foods to your management plan for happier, healthier joints.
1. Fatty Fish
Omega 3 fatty acids have long been known to build and protect your tissues, but they are also responsible for keeping joint inflammation in check. Fatty fish have the highest concentrations of omega 3s, particularly salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies.
But increasing omega 3 fats is only half the battle: in contrast to omega 3s, omega 6 fatty acids cause an inflammatory response, and since the North American diet is positively riddled with them (mainly in corn-based products, meat, and processed foods), you’ll need to renovate your daily menu. Try substituting fish for meat, choosing a small handful of walnuts for your snack, and cooking with coconut or olive oil instead of canola or sunflower oil.
When it comes to treating arthritis pain, anti-inflammatory medication is the traditional first course of action, but it’s not your only option.
