Arthritis is a common and painful health condition that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. There are more than hundred types of the disease. Among the common types are osteoarthritis, which develops in the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s defensive network to attack the joints. People with arthritis should include these top foods to manage the pain that accompanies the condition:
Fatty fish
Fatty fish like sardines, salmon, and mackerel are among the top foods to manage arthritis pain. This is because of two reasons: they contain a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects, and they are rich in vitamin D, which provides relief from pain in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often caused by the deficiency of vitamin D in the body, so people with this form of arthritis should necessarily include oily fish in their diets.
Garlic
Garlic has numerous health benefits and is one of the top foods to manage arthritis pain. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly helpful for people with osteoarthritis. Garlic also enhances the functions of certain immune cells, strengthening the immune system. Using garlic in the daily meals of an arthritis patient is a great idea.
Broccoli
Broccoli is also good for health, and it should be consumed by everyone. It is particularly beneficial for people with inflammatory diseases like arthritis. This vegetable contains sulforaphane, which has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves arthritis symptoms. A healthy dose of this cruciferous vegetable can also prevent arthritis.
Walnuts
Walnuts are highly nutritious and are among the top foods to manage arthritis pain. They are, in fact, filled with compounds that help relieve inflammation associated with any type of joint disease. These nuts are also great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which work wonders for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis.
Berries
A good proportion of berries must be included in the daily diet of an arthritis patient. Berries are loaded with a number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which work toward reducing inflammation. Interestingly, a study showed that even the daily intake of just two servings of strawberries could reduce the elevated level of the inflammatory markers in the blood by 14%. Apart from this, berries contain rutin and quercetin, two plant compounds that have a lot of health benefits. All types of berries can keep arthritis pain at bay.
Arthritis can affect people regardless of their age, gender, and medical history. By incorporating these foods into one’s daily diet, they can significantly reduce the risk of the disease, and patients can relieve the symptoms and reduce pain to a great extent.
