Best Foods to Help Manage Arthritis Pain
Arthritis cannot be cured by just changing one’s diet. However, there are certain foods that help you reduce inflammation, give strength to the bones, and give the immune system a boost. Therefore, when you add these foods to your meal plans, they can help you fight the major symptoms of the disease and ease the pain.
So, what are the best foods for arthritis pain? Here’s a list of some of them.
- Soy
Soy is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which fights inflammation. In addition to that, it is healthy for the heart. It is high in protein and fiber content and low in fat content. All this makes the ingredient an overall healthy food. - Oils
Oils such as olive oils contain anti-inflammatory properties, which prove to be extremely beneficial for arthritis patients. So, if you are looking to know what are the best foods for arthritis pain, olive oil is your answer. A six-week-long study found the effects of extra virgin olive oil on mice. In its conclusion, it was found that the consumption of the ingredient could prevent the development of arthritis, slow down the destruction of cartilage, and bring down the swelling in joints. It can also reduce inflammation. In addition to olive oil, safflower and avocado oil have also shown health benefits, bringing down cholesterol levels in the body. Also, the quantity of omega-3 fatty acids in walnut oil is found to be ten times higher than olive oil. - Cherries
Tart cherries contain anthocyanin, a flavonoid that gives them their dark color and makes them loaded with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidative benefits. Their anti-inflammatory properties have even been compared to that of non-steroidal drugs or NSAIDs. Studies that were done using the juice made from Montmorency cherries found that the effects of tart cherries could help in relieving joint pain in osteoarthritis patients. It could also reduce the chances of flaring of symptoms in gout patients. In the latest studies, it was also found that tart cherries played a role in improving sleep quality. - Dairy foods
Dairy products that are low in fat content, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt, are loaded with vitamin D and calcium. Both nutrients are vital in giving strength to the bones. Vitamin D is important for the body to absorb calcium from the foods that we eat. It also helps boost the functioning of the immune system. In case you are lactose intolerant and cannot afford to consume dairy, you can replace it with other sources of vitamin D such as leafy green vegetables. Dairy has been proven to be extremely beneficial for patients of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.