The benefits of taking supplements and a healthy diet to combat the pain and inflammation of arthritis is often debated in the arthritis community. Many people report significant alleviation of arthritic symptoms after eating certain things or from taking supplements. Researchers are working to back up those claims with data.
Here are 11 foods and supplements that may help you challenge the pain of arthritis:
1. Whole grains –
According to the Arthritis Foundation, some studies show that whole grains decrease inflammation, specifically lowering CRP levels.Initial studies on increasing the amount of fiber in your diet also showed decreased CRP levels.
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2. Glucosamine - This supplement is often advertised to help fight joint inflammation and pain.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is good evidence that glucosamine sulfate, as opposed to glucosamine hydrochloride that is found in most supplements in the United States, is effective in knee osteoarthritis and also in osteoarthritis in general.
3. Chondroitin – "Chondroitin sulfate is considered a promising treatment for osteoarthritis," reports the Mayo Clinic. "It is most often used to treat osteoarthritis of the finger, knee, hip joints, low back, and facial joints. Clinical trials suggest that chondroitin may have significant effects when compared to placebo. Chondroitin is a slow-acting medication that may lead to reduced doses of other drugs. However, adequate assessment of long-term safety, side effects, and effectiveness is lacking."
4. Cutting back on salt – Although the research on reducing salt intake has not been definitive, the
Arthritis Foundation says salt definitely causes fluid retention, which increases blood pressure. Some of the medicines given for rheumatoid arthritis cause salt retention, so it's better to play it safe and lower salt intake.
These next foods have been shown to reduce inflammation in some studies:
5.
Cooking with tumeric and ginger have shown to be useful in soothing inflammation.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish or in supplements.
7. Olive oil,
as reported in Healthline.com, is rich in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that keeps inflammation down.
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8. Nuts, like almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds.
9. Fruits, like cherries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
10. Garlic works great for swollen joints.
11. Chocolate that is at least 70 percent cocoa.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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