Top Foods to Manage Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, pain, redness, and sensitivity. One of the ways to manage it is via diet. The food you eat has direct and indirect effects on the body. Certain foods, spices, roots, and barks of trees are well-known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Accordingly, here are some of the best foods for arthritis.
1. Nuts
Nuts are known to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Walnuts specifically are a powerhouse among them. These brain-shaped nuts are perfect as they are a wonderful snack while packing a punch nutritionally. They are rich in fatty acids and are great for the joints in the human body. Studies have shown that those who consumed a healthy number of walnuts were able to reduce the pain medication over a period.
2. Cherries
Cherries, by themselves, are a great nutritious fruit. However, tart cherry juice alone is quite strong and offers quite a few benefits for arthritis patients. There have been studies between people who were administered a placebo and some others who were given a tart cherry juice. Those who consumed the juice reported a considerable reduction in arthritis pain. Hence it can be considered as one of the best foods for arthritis.
3. Garlic
Garlic has amazing anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, it is also known to possess compounds that help improve heart health. It is a simple bulb that has a strong pungent smell and taste. A few pods of garlic can be added to your food every day without causing any harm to your system. The anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing pain caused by arthritis and over time and alongside other treatments, the the symptoms will be easier to manage.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that contains a compound called curcumin, which is extremely effective in treating all kinds of pains. Prevalent in Asian kitchens, it is used in several home remedies to treat aches and pains caused by the common cold and coughs. Curcumin in turmeric blocks the cytokines and enzymes that increase the inflammation in the body. Thus, the spice is certainly one of the best foods for arthritis.
5. Foods with vitamin C
It is not unusual to hear the advice that you must load up on vitamin C when you are in pain. This is because vitamin C causes arthritis pain to slow down considerably. Make sure you increase the intake of fruits such as strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and cantaloupe that are known to be rich in the nutrient.
Several foods aid in reducing the inflammatory pain that is caused by arthritis. Pay attention to what you eat, and include healthy portions of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While the above is just a small list, several others may be considered as the best foods for arthritis.