Does chocolate influence arthritis? Dark chocolate contains phytonutrients called flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation. The darker you go, the more antioxidants you will get. Go for chocolate that's at least 70% cacao or higher.
Researchers are finding more evidence to link sugar and arthritis, and sugar is known to worsen symptoms in people with the condition. Some types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
Similar to french fries, potato chips are an AGE-producing refined carb, loaded with sodium, and tend to be fried in a not-good-for-you vegetable oil. All three of these factors make them likely to irritate bodily inflammation.
Soda, candy, ice cream and condiments all contain added sugars and should be avoided when possible. One study showed that foods with added sugars were the most likely to worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Choose whole-grain snacks like whole-grain crackers, air-popped popcorn, or veggie chips instead of refined white flour-forward snacks. The anti-inflammatory fix: For a satisfying crunch that's totally guilt-free, try snacking on superfood Kale chips.
Milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients increase bone strength, which may improve painful symptoms.
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 ...
Hot and cold cereals are good options. They are quick ways to get a serving of fiber-full whole grains that can help reduce inflammation. While oatmeal may be your go-to grain, there are several nutritious cereals made from corn, brown rice, quinoa, hemp, buckwheat and kamut.
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.
For the most part, the benefits of avoiding dairy are highly individual, and there is not enough research to suggest that people with arthritis should ditch milk. 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).
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.
Reduce foods high in saturated fats in your diet like sausages, butter, biscuits, cake, pies, pastries and fatty meats, and replace with those containing unsaturated fats (mono- and polyunsaturated), like oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds and small amounts of olive, rapeseed and sunflower oils and unsaturated spreads ...
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.
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.
Peanut Butter - Vitamin B3, found in peanut butter, is a supplement that may help people with osteoarthritis by improving flexibility and reducing inflammation.
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.
Anthocyanidins are powerful antioxidants known to reduce inflammation. Some of the best foods for anthocyanidins: blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, raspberries, cherries, red/black grapes, strawberries and plums.