6 Foods to Help Manage Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis depending on how they flare-up. There are about 54.4 million people receiving treatment for arthritis in the country, and the number of undiagnosed cases is even higher. While the condition cannot be cured, the consumption of some foods is among the top ways to manage arthritis pain. Here’s a list of these beneficial foods for arthritis patients:
- Fatty fish: Since arthritis is caused due to inflammation in the joints, one of the obvious choices for people with the condition should be anti-inflammatory foods. Of these, the top foods to manage arthritis pain are fatty fish. Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. One can consume different types of fatty fish like tuna and salmon at least 3-4 times a week for optimal health benefits.
- Berries: Of all the fruits, berries are among the top foods when it comes to managing arthritis pain. They contain a pigment called anthocyanin, which gives a red or blue color to fruits and vegetables. Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are all rich in anthocyanin, and this pigment helps reduce the stiffness of joints and the pain associated with arthritis.
- Broccoli and cabbage: Both broccoli and cabbage are cruciferous vegetables and are rich in a compound called sulforaphane, which reduces the risk of cartilage damage, which is extremely high among people with arthritis. Other vegetables rich in sulforaphane are cauliflowers, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
- Green tea: A beverage that tops the list of foods to manage arthritis pain, green tea is a rich source of polyphenols that help the body fight against inflammation and cartilage damage. Green tea also contains a substance called EGCG, which is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. One should make it a habit to drink green tea every day to get its benefits.
- Garlic: Garlic has a pungent and strong taste and adds great flavor to food. Apart from this, it has a compound known as diallyl disulfide, which helps control the production of certain enzymes that cause cartilage damage.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a yellow root that is dried, powdered, and used as a spice and coloring agent in foods. It is among the top foods to manage arthritis pain and can be added to a dish while preparing it. Compared to all other foods mentioned here, curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, helps fight inflammation very effectively. One should always opt for pure and organically derived turmeric to ensure that it is rich in curcumin.
All these foods to manage arthritis pain are affordable, tasty, and can be easily adapted into various cuisines, so one should include them in their diet regularly to manage arthritis effectively.