How to Eat an Anti-Arthritis Diet

Arthritis can be a terribly painful condition, whether you suffer from OA (osteoarthritis) or RA (rheumatoid arthritis). If you'd like to decrease the amount of pain medication you take with natural remedies, you can eat a diet rich in nutrients that may relieve your arthritis pain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Eat Omega-3's. Omega-3 fatty acids may relieve pain by reducing the omega-6 fatty acids which can increase inflammation. Many types of fish are high in omega-3s including salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna and trout. Walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and other nuts and seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Increase your fruit and veggie intake. Vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables, may decrease pain for arthritis sufferers. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, mango, cantaloupe, broccoli, sweet potatoes, apples, spinach and bell peppers. Taking large amounts of vitamin C from supplements may cause toxicity. Although rare, its symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and painful urination). Instead of gorging on supplements, it is recommended that you increase your vitamin C intake from whole foods.
3. Spice it up! Certain spices may decrease joint inflammation caused by both RA and OA. Add turmeric, ginger and garlic to your cooking. In addition to their anti-inflammatory benefits, they make many dishes taste great. If you can add raw versions of these spices to your diet in salad dressings or as condiments, they are more powerful.
4. Monitor your weight. Since being overweight or obese puts more weight on your joints, keeping a healthy weight is beneficial for you if you suffer from arthritis. Decrease your caloric intake. Explore low-impact exercises like swimming and walking. For muscle strengthening, try a yoga or Pilates program or use resistance bands instead of weights.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult with your doctor about your arthritis treatment.