How to Control Arthritis Pain With Food

Arthritis is a disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints of the body. It affects people of all ages, with both male and female equally susceptible. The most debilitating symptom of arthritis is arthralgia or joint pain. Normal motions of affected joints become limited due to pain--which will eventually decrease the overall functions of the patient. To find relief, various treatments are administered including medications, physical therapy and surgical interventions. One more way of managing arthritis is through a healthy diet. Eating the right type of food can largely influence symptoms of arthritis, such as inflammation and pain. Here are some healthy foods that can help in alleviating arthralgia.

Things You'll Need

• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Turmeric and ginger spices
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Add omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered as the healthiest form of fats for individuals with arthritis. These healthy fatty acids aid in decreasing inflammation by reducing the production of enzymes responsible in abrading joint cartilage and causing inflammatory process of arthritic joints. Decreased in inflammation means less tenderness and stiffness among affected joints, which eventually leads to reduction of pain. The best source of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, herring, mackerel, walnuts, almonds and flaxseed. The recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids for arthritic patients is 2 to 4 grams per day.

2. 

   Eat some vegetables. A vegetable diet is an effective way in reducing discomforting symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Arthritic patients under this type of diet can benefit much because of the absence of red meat, dairy and poultry products that contain arachidonic acid-- a fatty acid that can cause inflammation. Healthy vegetables such as broccoli, squash, collard greens, spinach, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and sweet potatoes are among those that are effective in reducing arthritic pain. If you want to stick to this type of diet and avoid meat for good, make sure to also watch your protein intake. You can get protein from other sources such as peas, corn, beans and nuts.

3. Choose to eat healthy fruits. Pineapples contain a potent enzyme called bromelain that helps to reduce swelling of inflamed tissues, which can be very helpful for arthritic patients. Skins of grapes contain resveratrol, a nontseroidal phyto-estrogen compound that blocks inflammatory process of cells in arthritis and other diseases. Apples contain anti-inflammatory properties that helps in providing relief from arthralgia or joint pain. Fruits rich in vitamin C such as strawberries, peaches, raspberries, mango, kiwi fruit, oranges, cantaloupe and blackberries are excellent for arthritic patients-- because vitamin C provides nutrients on the collagen, which aids in the healing process of damaged cartilage tissues of arthritic joints, reducing inflammation and pain.

4. 

   Sprinkle some turmeric and ginger spices on your food. Both of these spices contain effective properties that help in reducing joint inflammation and arthritic pain. Turmeric or curcumin is a mustard-colored spice that serves as a main ingredient of a well-known recipe called chicken curry. It helps in reducing joint pain by suppressing enzymes responsible for the inflammatory process of the body. Ginger spice has anti-inflammatory effects that helps in reducing joint tenderness and pain.

5. Use olive oil when cooking food. This type of oil is a healthy form of monounsaturated fats. It contains polyphenol, an antioxidant phytochemical that protects the body against inflammation. Instead of using butter or vegetable oil, switch to using healthy olive oil to help relieve your tender and aching joints.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to check with your health physician before consuming any of the foods mentioned here to avoid further complications.

• Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. However, it can also act as a blood thinner. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you must inform your doctor first before adding ginger to your diet.