Those living with rheumatoid arthritis know how devastating the condition can be. The pain and inflammation that come with this chronic joint condition cause serious impairment in performing daily activities. If that’s not enough, the condition can cause severe swelling in the affected areas, restricting movement and reducing flexibility to a significant extent.
While several types of medication helps relieve the condition, experts advise on following a specific diet that will help manage the disease and liver a fuller life. While there are no foods that can cure arthritis, including specific foods can reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.
Fatty fish
One of the best foods for managing arthritis pain is fishes like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These fishes have natural and potent anti-inflammatory effects on your joints. They can significantly reduce morning stiffness and joint pain intensity. These fishes are also excellent sources of Vitamin D that are important to reduce symptoms of arthritis and promote bone and joints health.
Walnuts
These nutrient-dense foods are potent sources of anti-inflammatory compounds that are responsible for promoting joint health. Walnuts also have significant amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids that fight the symptoms of arthritis effectively. Regular consumption of walnuts helps reduce the pains and swelling caused due to arthritis significantly.
Whole grains
These best foods for managing arthritis pain have very high antioxidant content that helps in selenium production to manage arthritis. Consume whole wheat pasta and bread that are also rich in fiber content to help manage your diet better. These foods promote healthy body weight that doesn’t put extra pressure on your joints.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest foods that contains important compounds like sulforaphane that reduces inflammation. It helps block a type of cell that promotes arthritis development. This compound further reduces the production of specific inflammatory markers that promote rheumatoid arthritis.
Beans
Loaded with fiber, beans fight the production of levels of C-reactive proteins that aggravate inflammation. They also provide the nourishment to build and keep muscles around your joints strong. Consume red beans and pinto beans, containing dense amounts of folic acid, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium that also give a healthy heart and a powerful immune system.
Tart cherry juice
This rich source of several nutrients finds an important place among the best foods for managing arthritis pain. It has arthritis-fighting compounds that significantly decrease the symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis. For best results, make sure to consume this juice without sugar.
Garlic
Densely packed with health benefits, garlic is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the symptoms of arthritis. It’s also a powerful food item that lowers the risk of heart disease. It enhances the function of the immune system and strengthens it. Garlic is also known to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis significantly.
Spinach
Spinach finds itself among the best foods for managing arthritis pain due to its nutrient-rich content. This antioxidant-rich leafy vegetable helps decrease inflammation caused by arthritis. The kaempferol content fights the symptoms and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and prevents the progression of osteoarthritis.