Overview
Arthritis is a condition that causes a number of unpleasant symptoms, including joint swelling, stiffness, redness and pain. Although there are several types of arthritis, they stem from inflammation. While inflammation is meant to be a positive response in the body, inflammation from arthritis can affect how you move and your ability to perform basic daily tasks. If you experience arthritis, one of the ways you can minimize symptoms and maintain a healthy weight is through an anti-inflammatory diet.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of fat that help relieve inflammation in your body. These fats are predominant in fish oil, especially salmon, sardines, anchovies and rainbow trout. If you do not eat fish, you can consume omega-3 fortified eggs, flaxseed and walnuts. When you consume omega-3 fatty acids, they help block the production of cytokines, which are inflammatory substances that cause cartilage damage in the body, which can aggravate arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may especially find relief from omega-3 fatty acids, according as reported by Joy Bauer for Today.MSNBC.com (Nov. 11, 2007).
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is another source of healthy fats in your daily diet. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that contains antioxidants, which help fight against inflammatory substances called free radicals, which are chemical compounds in the environment that can damage tissues in the body. Replacing cooking oils like vegetable oil or butter with olive oil can have anti-inflammatory effects in your body.
Brightly Colored Fruits and Vegetables
The brighter the color of your fruit choices, the more antioxidants they tend to contain. This makes fruits like oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, cherries and pomegranates excellent choices when you are fighting inflammation. Grape skins also contain polyphenols, which are the same powerful antioxidants found in olive oil. As an added bonus, colorful fruits like apricots have carotenes, which have beta-cryptoxanthin that helps fight inflammation. Incorporating vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, turnip greens, pumpkin or mustard greens also can give you good sources of carotenes in your daily diet.
Vitamin C-Containing Foods
While you may associate vitamin C with fruits, many vegetables contain vitamin C as well. Your body uses vitamin C to produce collagen, a substance present in the cartilage between your joints. When this cartilage wears down, you experience pain because you have less support for your joints. Vitamin C is best when you obtain it from food sources like pineapples, papayas, broccoli, kale, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, potatoes with skins and mustard greens.
source : livestrong.com
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