The 7 Best Foods to Eat If You Have Arthritis

However, certain foods when combined with the right treatment plan or routine can help make your pain more manageable.

Simply put, inflammation is the immune system's natural response to injury or infection. When inflammation becomes chronic, it can damage the body and joints, contributing to painful conditions like arthritis or the development of diseases including cancer and diabetes.

While you can't fight inflammation or joint pain with diet alone, many studies have shown that certain foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help balance things out.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the following foods have been shown to help relieve pain even in people with osteoarthritis.

Packed with nutrients that promote bone health, these foods can help keep your bones and joints strong, which is beneficial for those with osteoporosis as well.

Sip green tea or ginger

Instead of a cup of coffee, start your day with a cup of tea. For centuries, green tea has been known for its myriad health benefits related to everything from weight loss to maintaining healthy skin.

Studies have shown that green tea, whose main component is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), also has anti-inflammatory effects.

You can drink green tea iced or hot for health benefits, but make sure to choose tea bags, which may be less processed than other options.

Another tea that experts recommend is ginger tea. Like green tea, ginger is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. They also contain nutrients like fiber, potassium, and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

Fruits rich in vitamin C help repair tissue, making them an ideal snack choice for people with osteoarthritis.

Some dark fruits and vegetables

Many people probably know the importance of eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. But not everyone knows that darker, more vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables are especially high in antioxidants and can help fight inflammation.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, red and purple fruits like strawberries or raspberries and green leafy vegetables like broccoli are high in vitamin K, which are especially helpful for people with arthritis pain.

Some types of fish

Fish is also a staple of the popular Mediterranean Diet, playing a beneficial role in preventing inflammation.

Specifically, fish is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, especially fish like salmon, mackerel, cod, tuna and herring.

If you don't like fish, try taking a fish oil supplement, your joints will thank you for it.

Some types of cooking oil

Not all cooking oils are anti-inflammatory, but don't be afraid to use oils that are high in heart-healthy fats.

Anti-inflammatory oils worth adding to your diet include olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil.

Saffron

Saffron acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Studies have shown that crocin, one of the main compounds in saffron, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative properties and is effective in people with joint pain.

Garlic

Garlic works wonders in treating symptoms and preventing disease. In addition to lowering blood pressure and helping to treat heart disease, garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and its painful symptoms.