For most people living with arthritis, finding foods that are beneficial for treating arthritis is a trial and error experience. There is much disparity on this topic within the medical community today. The Mayo Clinic reports there is "no conclusive evidence to show that particular foods make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms flare-up or decrease." However, according to articles in Arthritis Today and MSNBC, people living with arthritis eating certain foods containing omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, selenium, and vitamins C, beta-carotene and bioflavanoids report decreased arthritic symptoms.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is one food source rich in omega-3 mono-unsaturated fatty acids beneficial to people living with arthritis. Used in place of butter, margarine, or vegetable oil in cooking, Extra virgin olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, also known as plant polyphenols, anti-oxidants that protect cells in the body against inflammation by suppressing cytokine and enzymes that erode away joint cartilage. The end result is decreased pain, decreased fatigue, decreased joint swelling and tenderness, increased range of motion and overall less pain. Other important sources of omega-3 fatty acids used to decrease the effects of osteoarthritis include salmon, mackerel, trout, oysters, fortified eggs, flaxseed oil, soybeans and walnuts.
Whole Wheat Products
Whole wheat products are another vital component to the list of foods beneficial for arthritis. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, a trace mineral that is an antioxidant cell protector, whole wheat products bring much to the table. Selenium is important in treating cancers, blindness, cataracts and kidney disease. It also decreases the chance of developing diabetes. Selenium is also found in shellfish, mainly oysters and crab, tilapia, light tuna, Brazil nuts, lean beef, turkey and pasta.
Strawberries
According to MSNBC, foods with high levels of vitamin C, such as strawberries, are critical in the anti-inflammatory diet for treating arthritis. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, works by protecting the body from cell-damaging radical molecules. Examples of foods high in vitamin C include fruits such as guava, papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, lemon, and cantaloupe; vegetables include sweet peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kidney beans, red cabbage, mustard greens and white potatoes with the skins.
Carrots and Beta-carotene Foods
People living with arthritis also benefit greatly from fruits and vegetables with carotene, particularly beta-carotene as it increases the level of beta-cryptoxanthin in the body. People with increased beta-cryptoxanthin are half as likely to develop inflammatory arthritis. Food sources of beta-carotene are often orange or yellow in color and include carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, cantaloupe, apricots, tangerines, corn and sweet red peppers.
Blueberries and Bioflavanoids
Blueberries, and other bioflavanoids, are another key antioxidant element in the anti-inflammatory diet, as they sometimes provide similar relief as non-steroidal analgesic agents such as Motrin and Aleve. Bioflavanoids are most important, as they reportedly limit the inflammatory effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) that causes extensive joint cell damage. Other bioflavanoid food sources include onions, kale, black currants, leeks, cherry tomatoes, elderberries, cocoa powder and skinless Red Delicious apples.
source : livestrong.com
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