What Foods Help Reduce Arthritis Pain

Can Diet Ease Arthritis Symptoms

After an arthritis diagnosis, taking a look at what you eat is a common starting point. There are two main benefits to improved nutrition: easing pain by adding foods that relieve arthritis and removing foods that make arthritis worse and reaching a healthy body mass index .;It is important to note that an arthritis-friendly diet shouldnt replace medications, other therapies or recommendations from your rheumatologist.

The medicines that you take work better in a normal BMI; studies have shown when you are at a higher BMI, the medicines dont work as well, explains M. Elaine Husni MD, MPH, vice chair of the Department of Immunologic and Rheumatic Disease and director of the Arthritis Center at Cleveland Clinic. In that case, diet becomes important not only for nutritional value but also for your treatment outcome. You will reduce a lot of comorbidities or complications of the disease.

Even someone who had the cleanest diet before an arthritis diagnosis may find adding certain foods can help alleviate pain and symptoms. Marcy OKoon, senior director of consumer health at the Arthritis Foundation, explains that while food cannot cause or cure arthritis, it can hurt or help it.

Final Thoughts On Reducing Arthritis Pain With An Anti

Arthritis limits your ability to do the things you love. Eating a diet with healthy foods and staying active can help, but you need to find ways to fight the painful swelling and inflammation if you get arthritis. Researchers have found that many foods can help relieve the pain and swelling of arthritis. Include these foods in your regular diet much as possible to boost your immune system and relieve your pain.

Ease The Ache And Reduce Inflammation By Adding These Standouts To Your Diet

by Barbara Brody, AARP, July 20, 2021

En español | If your hips, knees or hands have gotten stiffer and more painful in recent years, you might be among the more than 32 million Americans who suffer from osteoarthritis . This degenerative joint condition, often described as the wear and tear form of arthritis, causes the cartilage that normally cushions joints to break down, allowing bone to rub against bone. The result: pain, redness, stiffness and inflammation.

This kind of arthritis is mainly treated by pain-relieving medications, but lifestyle changes can also help a lot. Exercise and weight loss tend to be top of the list. Regularly moving the impacted joint helps stretch and strengthen the muscles surrounding it, which can ease stiffness and promote mobility. If you’re overweight, shedding a few pounds will help take some strain off a weight-bearing joint , as well as reduce the amount of inflammatory proteins that are naturally produced by fat cells.

Whether you follow a specific diet plan or not, regularly adding the following foods to your plate might help soothe your achy joints and perhaps even slow down the progression of arthritis.

Also Check: How Do You Know You Have Arthritis

Cherries &tart Cherry Juice

Tart cherries have been found to help tame inflammation, which can reduce swelling and pain and make it easier to move. Back in 2010, sports researchers reported that when women aged 40 to 70 who had inflammatory osteoarthritis drank tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks, they experienced significant reductions in inflammatory markers in their blood.

With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, said Kerry Kuehl, lead author of the study, its promising that tart cherries can help, without the possible effects often associated with arthritis medications.

Cherries were also found to help those with gout. In a 2012 study, researchers reported that eating at least 10 cherries a day was associated with a 50 percent lower risk of gout flares over a 48-hour period. In a later 2014 study, researchers found that drinking tart cherry juice reduced blood levels of gout-causing uric acid.

Foods That Help Reduce Joint Pain

Ben Franklin was right when he said: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We agree, so our orthopaedic specialists encourage patients to adopt dietary and exercise habits that support strong bones and joints.

Your everyday routine can have a big impact on the health and longevity of your joints. For example, choosing foods that build bone density, strengthen connective tissue and reduce inflammation can help you prevent injuries and preserve your joints for a long, active life.

We often see patients who are curious about making lifestyle changes to reduce joint pain. Yet our orthopaedic doctors recognize that its hard to change everything at once. Therefore, taking a look;at;your diet is a great place to start.

Heres our take on 10 foods that may;help reduce pain and increase mobility in the joints:

Also Check: How Does Methotrexate Help Rheumatoid Arthritis

Whole Grains May Help You Lose Weight And Lessen Pain

Much has been made of the health benefits of whole grains, and for good reason, Sandon says. Whole grains are simply grains that still have all three parts of the original grain: the bran ,;endosperm,;and germ.

Whole grains are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium, and magnesium than refined grains. In addition, a diet rich in whole grains has also been linked to better weight control, which can help reduce pain and symptoms of RA.

So, switch from white bread to whole wheat, and from regular pasta to whole grain, Sandon says. Caution: When buying whole wheat bread, dont be misled by the label. It should read 100 percent whole wheat or have the Whole Grain Stamp from the Oldways Whole Grain Council. Also add other whole grains to your menu, like a bowl of oatmeal in the morning or a bulgur;salad at night.

Mayo Clinic Wrote As Follows Going More On What Arthritis Is As A Whole:

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis causes cartilage the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint to break down. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.

Uric acid crystals, which form when theres too much uric acid in your blood, can cause gout. Infections or underlying disease, such as psoriasis or lupus, can cause other types of arthritis.

Treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Now, below I am going to go over some of the foods that help fight arthritis overall. These foods can make a big difference in ways that most would not realize. While theyre not going to completely get rid of what youre facing, they can help ease some of the symptoms.

Recommended Reading: What Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pineapple: This Fruit’s Enzymes Can Decrease Swelling

Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which has been linked to decreased pain and swelling in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Sandon says. So, add this tropical fruit to your diet every chance you get. Try it cubed in fruit salad, baked in savory dishes, blended into a smoothie, or added to stir-fries to give a sweet-and-sour zing.

Bromelain is also available in supplement;form, but check with your doctor before taking it because it can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also;take blood thinners such as Plavix;, Coumadin, or aspirin. Bromelain may also interfere with the action of antibiotics and sedatives.

Foods That Help Reduce Arthritis Pain

Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and a limited ability to move easily. Although it can be mild to moderate, it often gets progressively worse as the years go by. Extreme arthritis causes chronic pain and sometimes the inability to do regular activities like walking up the stairs. Arthritis may cause deformed fingers, joints, and even organ damage depending upon how you have arthritis. You can reduce arthritic pain by staying active, having a healthy weight, and eating a healthy diet.

Things that most people take for granted, for example sleeping, bathing, brushing ones teeth, getting dressed, making meals, and even driving a car, are extremely challenging for me. ~ Mrs. K.D.: Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis.:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis affects nearly 55 million American adults. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and relative diseases. The most common types being osteoarthritis , rheumatoid arthritis , psoriatic arthritis , fibromyalgia, and gout.

There is one common denominator between all of them: joint pain. Aching, dull, hot, throbbing joint pain. As anyone who has suffered from the condition can attest, joint pain is among the worst pain types out in existence. The inflammation of intersecting bone, cartilage, and ligaments defines the aches and pains associated with arthritis.

Also Check: How To Tell What Kind Of Arthritis I Have

Foods To Avoid With Ra

Red meat and dairy

Theyâre our main sources of saturated fats, which can cause inflammation in fat tissue. Other sources include full-fat dairy products, pasta dishes, and grain-based desserts.

Corn oil

The culprit here is omega-6 fatty acids. You want to cut down on them while youâre going for more omega-3s. They can lead to weight gain and joint inflammation if you overdo it. Sunflower, safflower, soy, and vegetable oils are also sources.

Fried food, fast food, and processed foods

Theyâre the major source of trans fats, which are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to extend shelf life. They can trigger inflammation throughout your body. Plus, they raise bad cholesterol and lower the good type.

Salt

Not only is too much salt bad for your blood pressure, but if you have RA and take steroids, your body may hold on to it more easily. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams a day.

It tells your body to release chemicals called cytokines that kick-start the inflammation process. Check food labels for words that end in âose,â like fructose or sucrose.

Alcohol

It doesnât mix well with your RA meds. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers on their own. Those odds go up when you add alcohol.

If you drink while youâre taking acetaminophen, leflunomide , or methotrexate, it could damage your liver.

Should I Go Vegetarian

Some people find a vegetarian diet helps arthritis. The reasons for this may include:

• The elimination of red meat, which is believed to promote inflammation and exacerbate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• A higher intake of vegetables and fruit, which means a higher intake of the vitamins and antioxidants these contain
• Vegetarian diets are often lower in total fat and kilojoules; this promotes weight-loss which means less stress on joints.
• It is important to remember that it is not whether a diet is vegetarian, vegan or non- vegetarian that counts but the quality of the diet in total.

Don’t Miss: Why Does Psoriatic Arthritis Hurt So Bad

Salmon Walnuts & Chia Seeds & Other Foods Rich In Omega

Fatty fish, seeds and nuts are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful anti-inflammatories. Theyre so effective that, in a 2006 study, they were found to help reduce pain as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

A more recent study review reported that fish oil was effective in patients with RA and helped to relieve pain. A 2016 study reported that supplementation with omega-3 was so effective in RA patients that it may reduce the need for taking pain pills.

Other foods rich in anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids include:

• Walnuts

For more anti-inflammatory foods, read our article The 12 Best Foods to Ease Inflammation and Joint Pain.

Berries Apples And Pomegranates

Berries are rich in antioxidants and the Arthritis Foundation notes that blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and boysenberries all provide arthritis-fighting power. Youll get health benefits no matter if you eat them frozen, fresh or dehydrated , so be sure to eat a variety of berries throughout the week.

Apples are also high in antioxidants and a good source of fiber. Plus, they provide crunch and can help curb your appetite for unhealthy snacks, Dunn says.

Pomegranates, which are classified as berry fruits, are rich in tannins which can fight the inflammation of arthritis. Add these to a salad or stir into plain yogurt for some added benefits.

Don’t Miss: Is Smoking Bad For Arthritis

Foods High In Purines

For people who have gout, a doctor may advise a low purine diet combined with the medication.

Purines are substances in foods that the body converts to uric acid. Uric acid can build up in the bloodstream, causing a gout attack. According to the , the following foods are high in purines:

• red meat

What a person eats can help:

Usually, inflammation protects the body from harm by helping defend against bacteria and aiding wound healing. However, when inflammation persists for an extended period, chronic symptoms can develop.

What a person eats has an impact on inflammation levels. Some foods are inflammatory, and others are anti-inflammatory.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, numerous studies show that anti-inflammatory foods can reduce arthritis pain and progression.

A persons body weight also influences inflammation levels. Fat cells produce cytokines, which are immune cells that increase inflammation.A person can use diet to maintain a moderate weight, which may help with inflammation and also reduce pressure on the joints.

Finally, some types of arthritis have specific trigger foods. For example, foods that are high in purines

Consuming the following foods may benefit people with arthritis.

Foods That Help Reduce Knee Pain

The orthopedic specialist encourages people all over the world to adopt healthy eating and lifestyle habits that support strong joints and bones. The everyday routine of an individual has a significant impact on the longevity and health of our joints. For instance, the choice of healthy foods that build strong bone density, reduce inflammation, and strengthen connective tissue can help you to prevent injuries. Healthy foods preserve our joints for an active or long life. We often see people who are curious about making lifestyle changes to decrease joint pain. The orthopedic doctors yet believe that it is difficult to change everything in one instant. Therefore, take a look at your dietary habits to take a good start. There are many foods which help in reducing inflammation and joint pain. However, it is important to understand that you must pay attention to some effects of foods with inflammation.

Some dietary rules which you can follow easily to overcome knee pain include:

• Stay away from processed foods whenever it is possible
• Avoid refined grains like white bread, rice, and pasta
• Minimize the amount of salt in your dishes. Salt leads to fluid retention, which has a direct association with tissue swelling. Moreover, the repots of arthritis foundation state that avoiding salt intake can decrease calcium loss, therefore there is less chance of developing osteoporosis and fractures

You May Like: How To Relieve Arthritis Pain In Your Hands

Citrus Fruits Cause Inflammation

Some people believe that they should avoid citrus fruits because the acidity is inflammatory. However, this is not the case. In fact, citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Grapefruit juice can, however, interact with some medicines that doctors use to treat arthritis. People who are undergoing treatment should check with a doctor before incorporating it into their diet.

What Exactly Is Arthritis

Arthritis, or joint inflammation, describes;swelling and tenderness of one or more of the joints. Its main symptoms include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthritis is a general term for a group of over 100 diseases causing inflammation and swelling in and around the joints.;

Joint inflammation is a natural response of the body to a disease or injury, but becomes arthritis when the inflammation persists in the absence of joint injury or infection. Arthritis usually worsens with age and may even lead to a loss of joint movement.

There are different types of arthritis such as:

• Warm skin over the joints
• Redness of the skin over the joints
• Reduced range of movement.

Also Check: What Is The Best Cream For Arthritis Pain

Foods That Help Fight Inflammation & Arthritis Pain

IBJI

May 4, 2017;|;Blog

Arthritis is a disease that is often characterized by the pain and inflammation that comes along with it. Many people living with arthritis often feel powerless to the aches they feel and think there is nothing they can do to fight it. Luckily, there are many ways to reduce arthritis inflammation, beginning with food.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is key in leading a healthy life. Likewise, eating healthier foods also can have a positive impact on your arthritis. Here are a few foods that can help you reduce discomfort caused by inflammation.

Doctors Are Learning That One Of The Best Ways To Reduce Inflammation Lies Not In The Medicine Cabinet But In The Refrigerator By Following An Anti

What does an anti-inflammatory diet do? Your immune system becomes activated when your body recognizes anything that is foreignsuch as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical. This often triggers a process called inflammation. Intermittent bouts of inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders protect your health.

However, sometimes inflammation persists, day in and day out, even when you are not threatened by a foreign invader. That’s when inflammation can become your enemy. Many major diseases that plague usincluding cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’shave been linked to chronic inflammation.

One of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store. “Many experimental studies have shown that components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Choose the right anti-inflammatory foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. Consistently pick the wrong ones, and you could accelerate the inflammatory disease process.

Read Also: What Do You Do For Arthritis In Your Fingers