Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers all contain the chemical solanine, which some blame for arthritis pain. However, the Arthritis Foundation say that there is no scientific evidence for this. Adding these nutritious vegetables to the diet can have many benefits for chronic health conditions.
Sweet Potatoes
The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has been shown to fight inflammation, and eating them regularly can help ease joint pain and other symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
As for eggplant and potatoes, some minimal data suggests that they may have inflammatory effects on the gut if eaten in large quantities or fried, although other studies do suggest anti-inflammatory effects as well. Yellow and purple potatoes appear to be more strongly anti-inflammatory than white.
Carrots Pack Anti-Arthritis Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene
Add carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes to your anti-arthritis shopping list, too, Sandon says. These and other orange-hued vegetables are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, both of which are believed to fight inflammation.
Bananas and Plantains are high in magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Unlike most fruits, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, a micronutrient with anti-inflammatory effects. Diets high in these compounds are linked to decreased risk of the joint damage seen in early OA. Studies also show eating avocados daily increases “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Dairy. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients increase bone strength, which may improve painful symptoms. Dairy also contains proteins that can help to build muscle. People who are aiming to manage their weight can choose low-fat options.
Another study, published in Nutrients, found that yogurt consumption was associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, and as the study authors note, “may be an important part of a healthy diet, designed to mitigate systemic inflammation.” Cohen recommends plain Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other ...
More good news: Citrus fruits — like oranges, grapefruits and limes — are rich in vitamin C. Research shows getting the right amount of that vitamin aids in preventing inflammatory arthritis and maintaining healthy joints.
Mushrooms
People with arthritis are often found to be low in vitamin D, which is needed to regulate bone-building calcium. We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight – but along with oily fish and egg yolks, sun-exposed mushrooms are among the best dietary sources.
If you ask dietitians and nutritionists about the perfect brekkie choice, they agree it's simple: oatmeal, chia seeds, walnuts, and berries. "These foods powerfully counteract inflammation and have been shown to help slow the progress of arthritis specifically," says Poon.
Honey and cinnamon are typically known as sweet additions to recipes and warm beverages, but they may offer more than just great taste. Because honey and cinnamon have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they may also be able to help people with arthritis.
Aside from being a great source of protein, eggs are a natural source of vitamin D and some are fortified with omega-3's. Both omega-3's and vitamin D have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Consuming two eggs per week as part of a well-balanced diet is recommended for most adults.
Tips: Drinking milk, which is a good source of calcium, vitamin D and protein, may help prevent gout and fight the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).
Meat & Seafood: Opt for Lean Meats and Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is the most potent and easily absorbed source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s. It's a great substitute for red meat, which has been linked to increased inflammation. Chicken and turkey are also great choices.
When considering your options at the grocery store, avoid refined grains. Not only are these highly processed grains limited in nutrition but they can also worsen inflammation throughout the body. Examples of foods made with refined grains are white bread, white rice, cookies and cakes.
Coffee's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may benefit some forms of arthritis. On the other hand, some research shows that coffee can increase the risk of developing some forms of arthritis. As with most things, moderation is key.
High in ALA, walnuts have the highest omega-3 content, and researchers studying their effects have found they lower C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and arthritis.
Shop for colorful fruits like cherries, berries, apples, pomegranates, grapes, oranges, and grapefruit. These all contain beneficial polyphenolic compounds that can help fight inflammation associated with arthritis.
Osteoarthritis. Early research shows that taking cucumber extract improves pain, stiffness, and function better than taking a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate.