Good Foods for Arthritis

Good Foods for Arthritis

Arthritis is chronic joint inflammation, which results in limited limb movement, swelling and pain. Arthritis involves cartilage breakdown. Without normal amounts of cartilage, your bones rub together and cause arthritis symptoms. According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, more than 20 million Americans suffer from over 100 types of arthritis. For most arthritis patients, finding beneficial foods for treating arthritis can be a complicated experience. However, certain foods can decrease arthritic symptoms.

Whole Grains

Whole-wheat products are an important food for arthritis patients. Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and selenium, an antioxidant cell protector, whole wheat contains substantial amounts of nutrients needed to reduce arthritis symptoms such as stiffness, pain and inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Examples of whole-grain products include rye, bulgar, oats, quinoa, brown rice, wild rice and barley. Selenium is also vital in treating cancers, cataracts, kidney disease and blindness. Selenium is also found in tilapia, light tuna, crab, oysters, pasta, turkey, lean beef and Brazil nuts.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to arthritis sufferers. Used in place of margarine, vegetable oil or butter, extra virgin olive oil contains antioxidants that protect body cells against inflammation by suppressing enzymes that erode joint cartilage, according to Arthritis Today. The end result is decreased joint tenderness, swelling, pain and fatigue. Other important sources of omega-3 nutrients used to decrease arthritis symptoms include mackerel, trout, salmon, flaxseed oil, soybeans and walnuts.

Carrots and Beta Carotene Foods

Arthritis sufferers benefit from vegetables and fruits that contain beta carotene, because it increases beta-cryptoxanthin in your body. According to the MSNBC article "Fight Arthritis With These Foods," people with increased amounts of beta-cryptoxanthin in their bodies are half as likely to suffer from inflammatory arthritis symptoms. Food sources of beta-carotene are normally yellow or orange in color, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, corn, red peppers and tangerines.

source : livestrong.com