Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. It affects people of all ages, even children. However, arthritis is most commonly seen in elderly people. It has affected more than 10 million people in the UK.
After a diagnosis, many people wonder if there are any types of food that they should eat or avoid to help reduce their symptoms. Here we have listed out 5 foods that could help relieve the pain or even reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Fish
Fish is a great way to increase your Omega-3 intake whilst reducing the potentially harmful Omega-6 fatty acids. Tests have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce joint swelling and pain for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Researchers found that Omega-3 helps prevent visual impairment in later years.
Broccoli
The Mayo Clinic conducted an 11 year study in rheumatoid arthritis. Results showed that those who regularly ate broccoli had a 35% lower risk of developing arthritis. If you can’t get your hands on fresh broccoli, then add Brussels sprouts or curly kale to your dishes!
Olive Oil
Cooking with olive oil and using it on your green salads has been shown to help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. Olive oil contains oleic acid, or Omega-9, a monounsaturated fatty acid. So the next time you want to eat a nice salad, why not mix 3 parts olive oil with 1 part balsamic vinegar? Add a teaspoon of oregano, half a chili, and two cloves of crushed garlic. Mix well, then drizzle!
Ginger
Studies have regularly shown that ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory and also has antioxidant properties. Just be cautious if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication and check with your GP before using it in your diet. When you are cooking your fish, why not grate some ginger over the fish with a dash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, some cherry tomatoes, and fennel? Wrap the fish up in tin foil and cook it at 220 ° C / Gas Mark 6 for 20 minutes.
Fruit
We are always reminded of our “5 a day,” and making sure we eat enough fruit is essential if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Studies show that a diet rich in fruits that contain vitamin C can help reduce the risk of developing arthritis by 30%. So make sure your fruit bowl is always overflowing with strawberries, oranges, mangoes, and pineapples! It’s also recommended that we eat plenty of berries.
Other foods that reduce arthritis besides those listed above include:
- Whole grains
- Peas and beans
- Nuts
- Tomatoes
- Eggplant
- Fresh Coriander
- Green Tea
- Carrots
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