Experts agree that some of the best treatments – and preventions – for arthritis are found in the kitchen. Just as some foods can cause the inflammation that leads to arthritic pain as well as other diseases, there are foods that can act as anti-inflammatories. Best of all, they aren’t some obscure seed found deep in the jungle – this list includes foods that are available anywhere.
First, foods that cause inflammation and should therefore be avoided include:
- Fast food, especially deep fried
- Overly processed foods
- Sugar, such as pop
- Bad fats, such as margarine
- Processed and red meats
Now for the good list – foods that will fight inflammation in the body:
- Fatty fish, such as salmon
- Olive oil (raw, not fried)
- Leafy greens, such as kale or spinach
- Walnuts
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Crucifers, such as broccoli or cabbage
Aside from these super-foods that actively fight inflammation in the body, best practice suggestions to keep inflammation down include eating at least 5 fruit and vegetable servings each day, consume omega-3 (supplements are generally recommended to get enough), and getting plenty of fiber.
If you or your senior loved one is struggling with arthritis, winter can be a hard time and you should speak to your doctor about pain management. Combined with an anti-inflammatory diet, we hope that this can be your best winter.