Cohen recommends plain Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other kinds. Just check the ingredients list to make sure there's no added sugar. Then add a sliced organic green apple or a handful of organic berries. These whole fruits contain inflammation-fighting antioxidants, as well as fiber, such as pectin.
PROBIOTICS FOUND IN GREEK YOGURT SHOWN TO DECREASE INFLAMMATION OF ARTHRITIS. Probiotic supplementation was found to reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation in a recent randomized controlled study.
Greek yogurt is higher in protein than non-Greek yogurt, and many yogurts are fortified with vitamin D, which is important for people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to Sonya Angelone, RDN, the owner of a nutritional counseling firm based in the San Francisco area.
“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says. Nutrition researchers believe yogurt's anti-inflammatory power comes from the probiotics it contains, but that has yet to be confirmed with rigorous trials, he says.
Cohen recommends plain Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other kinds. Just check the ingredients list to make sure there's no added sugar. Then add a sliced organic green apple or a handful of organic berries. These whole fruits contain inflammation-fighting antioxidants, as well as fiber, such as pectin.
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). Make sure you opt for low-fat milk to avoid consuming extra calories and saturated fat.
Instead of white bread, choose whole grains
Research shows that fiber-rich foods, such as whole grain breads, cereals, and rice, can lower serum levels of C-reactive protein, decreasing inflammation.
Tea is one of the best beverages for arthritis patients due to its many health benefits. Green, black and white teas are all rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols. Green tea is generally viewed as the most beneficial because of its active ingredient “epigallocatechin-3-gallate” or EGCG.
Several studies have shown that saturated fats trigger adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is not only an indicator for heart disease but it also worsens arthritis inflammation. Pizza and cheese are the biggest sources of saturated fats in the average American diet, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Consuming healthy fats can increase joint health and lubrication. Foods high in healthy fats include salmon, trout, mackerel, avocados, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids in these foods will assist in joint lubrication.
It can reduce inflammation related to arthritis! Dark chocolate contains specific compounds called phytochemicals that have been shown to reduce inflammation and joint pain.
If you are suffering from joint pain or arthritis, honey is an effective natural remedy to consider. It has antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and can help fight off disease-causing bacteria in your body.
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.
Dairy products.
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of nutrition, but they contain a protein that may irritate tissues around your joints. Foods to consider as non-inflammatory substitutes include spinach, nut butter, tofu, beans, lentils, and quinoa.
Such is the case with vitamin D. When you aren't getting enough, you may get pain in your joints. Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve joint pain. Vitamin D also can help manage autoimmune conditions that affect the joints, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes.
Staying hydrated is vital when you live with arthritis. Hydration is key for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation, and well-hydrated cartilage reduces the rate of friction between bones, meaning you can move more easily.
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the skin and joints.
Wheat products — like pasta, bread, crackers, and bagels — may spell trouble for your joints, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. The reason? Wheat contains gluten, a protein that can irritate and aggravate arthritic joints.
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 osteoarthritis.
Salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel
These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, eating a 3 to 4 ounce serving of these fish two or more times a week is recommended for protecting the heart and reducing inflammation.
A study in 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis noted that among 20 foods, sugar-sweetened soda and desserts were the most frequently reported to worsen RA symptoms ( 2 ). What's more, sugary beverages like soda may significantly increase your risk of arthritis.
Eggs and inflammation
On the contrary, eggs have been shown to contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, eating two eggs per week as a part of a well-balanced diet is recommended for most adults, including those with arthritis ( 9 ).