Arthritis Relief Foods

Nutrition is an important factor in the management of arthritis. Beyond weight-loss techniques, careful nutritional choices can actually improve the symptoms of arthritis.

Significance

The foods we eat are full of vitamins and minerals which impact the way our bodies function. Choosing foods that have been shown to help minimize inflammation can provide health benefits to people who suffer from arthritis. Discuss any dietary changes with your doctor or nutritionist.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Contrary to popular belief, not all fats are bad. Omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats like olive oil can be good for the body because they help reduce inflammation. Good sources of omega-3s are fish (especially salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies), flaxseed (both as an oil and ground), and walnuts.

Vitamin C and Antioxidants

Vitamin C-rich foods are a better way to consume this vitamin than through supplements. Citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and even potatoes are good sources of this vitamin. As vitamin C is crucial to the production of collagen, which is present not only in skin but also in cartilage, these foods should be present in the daily diets of arthritis sufferers.
Other antioxidant rich foods include carrots, greens, spinach, and sweet potatoes, foods rich in carotenes.

Spices Add More Than Flavor

Cinnamon, ginger and tumeric are spices that have been shown to offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Garlic is a good source of selenium as well, which is important in the proper functioning of the immune system. Add these spices and flavors to your diet by including grated ginger in soups or salads, adding garlic or tumeric to meat and vegetable dishes, and preparing teas and desserts with cinnamon.

Raw or Cooked

Many people wonder if the health benefits they could get from their foods are destroyed during cooking. Heat does destroy vitamin C, so those foods should ideally be consumed raw. As for the other foods discussed here, cooking has little effect on the vitamin, mineral and anti-inflammatory benefits, so it is up to you whether you eat them raw or cooked, though meats and fish should be cooked to avoid parasites and bacteria that could be harmful.