8 Foods You Can Eat To Treat Arthritis

Posted on Nov 25 2013 - 11:00am by Joseph

Carrots

The main reason why people over the age of 50 are disabled is due to arthritis. Arthritis is a Greek term that means joint, and it is a term that covers more than one hundred medical disorders.

Some of the most common kinds of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious arthritis. Stiff, inflamed, and swollen joints are the most common symptoms among these different kinds of arthritis.

What causes this condition will depend on the type of arthritis you’re dealing with. Common causes of this medical condition includes a lack of fluid, cartilage is deteriorating, autoimmunity, some type of infection, or a combination of various things.

When it comes to treatment there are a variety of different things you can do to treat yourself. Some of the common treatments for this condition include over the counter medicines like aspirin, prescription medications such as corticosteriods, water therapy, massage therapy, and heat or ice.

Foods can help ease the pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis. By adding certain foods in your daily diet you’ll be able to reduce the aches you feel in your joints and also the inflammation. Check out the 8 of the best foods to eat for arthritis.

Green Tea

Green tea can help you ease arthritis by reducing inflammation and joint damage. It’s the antioxidants in green tea that gives it the power to fight off arthritis symptoms.

This antioxidant in green tea that’s supposed to help deal with arthritis is known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG. EGCG has been proven to stop the development of prostaglandin E2, which is a molecule that causes inflammation in the joint.

All you have to do is brew the tea in order to release the antioxidant compounds and then drink. Boil the tea bag in water for at least five minutes and then drink it when it cools down. Drink three to four cups of the tea daily and it will help reduce the pain and inflammation you experience.

Salmon

Salmon is a great food for arthritis because it helps reduce inflammation. It is the high levels of omega 3 fatty acids that makes salmon ideal for this condition.

Omega 3 fatty acids is a polyunsaturated fat that reduces inflammation in the body by inhibiting the production of cytokines and enzymes that make the cartilage become eroded. Moreover, salmon is rich in vitamin D, which will help stop the soreness and swelling linked to arthritis. Other types of fish high in omega 3 fatty acids include sardines, trout, arctic char, and mackerel.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are one of the most healthiest things to snack on during the day. You can add these seeds to your salads or eat them just the way they are. The reason why sunflower seeds are great for arthritis is because it is high in selenium.

Selenium is an essential mineral that your body needs to lower your risk of joint inflammation and keep the muscles in your body strong and pain free. As you can imagine, people who don’t have enough of this mineral may suffer from severe episodes of arthritis.

Along with sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, halibut, oysters, whole wheat pasta, shrimp, and turkey are high in selenium. Increase your selenium intake and you’ll reduce your arthritis symptoms.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The monounsaturated fats in olive oil allow it to provide your body with the protection it needs against inflammation. Antioxidants known as polyphenols and oleocanthal help stop enzymes responsible for the development of inflammation. Add olive to your diet by taking a couple tablespoons of the oil each day, or you can add it to your salads, vegetables, or bread.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, oranges, mandarins, and limes are great for arthritis because they are rich in vitamin C. The vitamin C in these citrus rich foods help reduce the effects of arthritis by protecting collagen, which is a huge part of cartilage. Also, some vegetables like brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower are rich in vitamin C that can help ease the inflammation of your arthritis.

Onions

Onions are packed with an antioxidant known as quercetin. This antioxidant will help ease the inflammation due to your arthritis. Consume a half a cup of onions with your food daily to help reduce your symptoms.

Carrots

Carrots can help you fight off the inflammation associated with arthritis. It is the beta carotene that carrots contain that’ll help with arthritis symptoms. Consuming one to two servings of beta carotene can help you decrease symptoms.

Ginger

Ginger is a spice that has great anti-inflammatory properties. Brew some ginger tea or you can grate some fresh ginger into your food and eat daily.

None of these foods will cure arthritis, but they’ll reduce the symptoms and make the condition more manageable.

Photo Credit: Flickr/John Morgan

About the Author

Joseph is a medical expert that focuses on a variety of different topics such as home remedies for warts. Visit this wartremovalexperts.com to check out more of his articles and health advice.