Best and Worst Food For Arthritis

Milk – Stay Away

For people with arthritis, it is best to choose non-dairy milk options. They do not contain the carrageenan that dairy products often do and have more calcium per serving.

While inflammation is a normal part of the body’s healing process, too much leads to pain and joint damage. This is why it is important to limit the foods that encourage inflammation in the body.

One of the worst foods for arthritis is sugar, found in soda, pastries, and chocolate bars. Sugar increases the release of inflammatory chemicals that lead to swelling and aches. It is also a good idea to reduce salt intake, which can be found in canned soup, pizza, fried foods, and certain cheeses. A low-salt diet helps decrease the symptoms of arthritis.

Nightshade Vegetables May Cause You Problems

Many people with arthritis swear that nightshades like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants make their joint pain worse. But is this claim based on fact or fiction?

Tomatoes, white potatoes, and eggplants are part of the Solanaceae family. They share genetic ties with plants like tobacco and deadly belladonna that contain alkaloids including solanine, which can be toxic in large quantities.

However, research has not proven that solanine is harmful in the small amounts found in foods like tomatoes and potatoes. And these vegetables offer a wealth of nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as capsaicin (the ingredient that gives peppers their kick).

If you suspect a nightshade food may be triggering your arthritis, try a dietary experiment. Take a break from that food for two weeks and then reintroduce it to your diet. If your arthritis symptoms flare up, that’s a good indication that the food is indeed a trigger.

Plant-Based Foods Are Great For Arthritis

The best foods for arthritis include a variety of plant-based foods. These foods provide a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid highly processed foods, which may trigger inflammation and exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

Broccoli is one of the best foods for arthritis, thanks to its high levels of calcium and Vitamin C. It also contains sulforaphane, which has been shown to halt and possibly reduce the development of osteoarthritis.

Shallots are another one of the best foods for arthritis, thanks to their antidiabetic properties and their ability to abate pain and stiffness in arthritic patients. Add them to soups, salads, and sandwiches for a healthy twist. Also, try adding sliced bell peppers to your meals for their anti-inflammatory and vitamin C benefits. They are also high in beta-carotene and vitamin K.

Antioxidants, Anti-inflammatory And Analgesic Foods Are Great To Help Arthritis

While there’s no such thing as a miracle cure for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, changing your diet can reduce pain, swelling and stiffness. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and analgesic foods will help with joint comfort, along with any medications or treatment your doctor recommends.

For example, broccoli is a great source of calcium and vitamin C and contains sulforaphane, which can halt the development of osteoarthritis, one of the most common types of arthritis. Leafy greens like spinach and kale also contain these anti-inflammatory compounds.

Other foods that are good for arthritis include berries (blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries), pomegranates, and whole grains like quinoa. You can also add figs to your snacks as they are rich in the flavonoid naringin, which helps decrease inflammation.

Fish Is Fab!

The fatty acids found in fish like salmon, tuna, and herring are shown to decrease inflammation. According to WebMD, fish should be part of your diet two to three times per week. However, fish can be pricey so if you are on a budget try frozen fish in the seafood section or canned tuna, sardines, and salmon.

A Few More Ideas On How To Help Your Arthritis

Garlic is another great arthritis fighter that contains diallyl disulfide which limits the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. And green leafy vegetables like kale and Swiss chard contain anti-inflammatory compounds. Try adding them to salads or steaming them for a side dish.

Drinking black or green tea is also beneficial because of the polyphenols (antioxidants) they contain. These anti-inflammatory chemicals have been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory enzymes that break down cartilage and cause pain.