8 Foods That Help Ease Arthritis Pain

Inflammation of the joint is known as arthritis. Although osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis, researchers have identified over a hundred types of arthritis. Degradation of cartilage tissues in the joints is the most common cause of arthritis. Arthritis is also associated with abnormal immune activity, when the immune cells attack the joint tissues. An infection or trauma can also trigger arthritis. Regardless of the underlying cause, your diet plays a role in exacerbating or alleviating arthritis pain. The side effect of prolonged intake of pain relief drugs can be averted by adding anti-arthritic foods to the daily diet. To ease arthritis pain, add the following foods to your daily diet.

Here Are The 8 Foods That Help Ease Arthritis Pain:

1. Nuts

Nuts are among the best snacks for people suffering from arthritis pain. They are rich in vitamin E and selenium that are known for their antioxidant property. Studies suggest that an antioxidant rich diet helps in slowing down progression of arthritis. Moreover, arthritis pain tends to worsen following depletion of the antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, nuts are a source of essential fatty acids that help in reducing inflammation. To boost your vitamin E intake, add almonds to your diet, while macadamia nuts and Brazil nuts are good sources of selenium.[1]

2. Tart Cherries

Tart cherries can help in alleviating arthritis pain. The tartness of the cherries is attributed to antioxidant compounds known as anthocyanins. They are known for their anti-inflammatory property. If you can tolerate the sourness of tart cherries, add them to your anti-arthritis diet. Apart from reducing joint swelling and pain, they help in inhibiting joint and cartilage damage.[2]

3. Broccoli

To reduce arthritis pain and cartilage damage, add broccoli to your diet. Broccoli is a source of a potent anti-inflammatory sulfur-based compound called sulforaphane. According to studies, sulforaphane helps in obstructing activities of enzymes involved in inflammation of the cartilages. Research suggests that risk of irreversible cartilage damage is lower in a diet rich in sulforaphane.[3]

4. Red Pepper

Red pepper is a source of pain relief compound. Capsaicin, the key bioactive constituent of red pepper, stimulates secretion of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemical. It blocks the transmission of pain signals, thereby providing relief from arthritis pain. To fight arthritis pain, add a generous amount of red pepper to your foods.[4]

5. Pineapple

Pineapple is known for its anti-arthritic property. It contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps in inhibiting activities of compounds that trigger joint inflammation. The concentration of bromelain is highest in fresh pineapple. Therefore, fresh pineapple is a superior alternative to the tinned fruit for fighting joint pain.[5]

6. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring are known to help in alleviating chronic inflammation and pain. The omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fish are known for their anti-inflammatory property. According to studies, a diet rich in seafood helps in diminishing risk of chronic inflammatory disease. To reduce arthritis pain, you should eat at least 3 to 5 servings of fatty fish per week.[6]

7. Green Leafy Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables contain beta-carotene and lutein that help in suppressing production of inflammatory chemicals. They are good sources of a number of B vitamins and vitamin K that are beneficial for arthritis patients.[7]

8. Legumes

Legumes such as lentils, beans and peas are the best sources of protein for people with arthritis. They are free from saturated fats, hence, safe for arthritis patients. Furthermore, they are good sources of potassium, magnesium, folate and iron that help in maintaining healthy joints. They are also considered helpful in fighting chronic inflammation.[8]

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