9 super foods to fight arthritis

Did you know that natural foods can reverse arthritis? Have these 9 arthritis fighting foods and feel the change.

While there are a lot of foods that can trigger the inflammatory process and worsen arthritis symptoms, a lot of foods are shown to be beneficial for people with arthritis. These natural substances either can effectively fight arthritis by attacking the 3 most common symptoms of arthritis --pain, swelling and inflammation.

1. Seafood: Fish like salmon, mackerel, trout and sardines are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. And, omega 3 fatty acids are clinically proven to have an anti-rheumatic action. They help to balance the immune mechanism and reduce inflammation caused due to arthritis.

2. Green cabbage: Cabbage is a vegetable that works wonders for people with arthritis, provided eaten raw. When you cook cabbage, most of its nutrients are lost and you can't benefit much. On the other hand, raw cabbage apart from providing high nutrient value also acts like a blood purifier. It contains a compound called indole that neutralizes a lot of toxins generated during the metabolic processes of our body. Read more health benefits of cabbage.

3. Chilli peppers: The anti-arthritic property of hot pepper is attributed to its active ingredient capsaicin that reduces pain and swelling associated with arthritis. A study showed that about 80 percent of patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis benefitted by rubbing a cream containing capsaicin on the sore joints just after 2 weeks.

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4. Cherries: Adding bright cherries to your diet is an excellent way to beat arthritis. Cherries contain flavonoids that play an anti-inflammatory role. Flavonoids also help to eliminate free radicals from the system and strengthen the cartilage, joints and tendons. Having just one cup of cherries everyday can significantly reduce uric acid levels and reduce symptoms of gout and other arthritic conditions. Here are more health benefits of cherries.

5. Blueberries: Like cherries, blueberries also contain flavonoids --anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, which have significant ability to build and strengthen collagen, reducing flare ups in arthritis.

6. Bananas: Bananas are the best source of potassium, a mineral that is known for its anti-calcification property. A pilot study on patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that elevated level of potassium was associated with reduced pain intensity in the patients. Potassium also plays a role in inhibiting the retention of sodium in the body, improves the balance between calcium and phosphorous and decreases bone loss. Here are more reasons you should eat bananas.

7. Garlic: Garlic is proven to be beneficial for gout and osteoarthritis. It helps to reduce swelling due to its anti-inflammatory effect. It also contains a compound called diallyl disulphide provides a potential mechanism of action for controlling arthritis symptoms. Here are more health benefits of garlic.

8. Green tea: Green tea contains powerful antioxidants (polyphenols) that eliminate free radicals damaging the tissues and causing inflammation. It has also been reported to reduce the progression of the disease. Here are 5 more health benefits of green tea.

9. Red wine: Here's the real good news. Although you should be avoiding alcohol if you're suffering from arthritis, occasionally having red wine can help you reverse your condition. Red wine is naturally an anti-inflammatory agent. It also contains the compound called resveratrol that can significantly reduce pain associated with RA. Here are more reasons to start drinking red wine.

References:

• Rastmanesh R and colleagues. A pilot study of potassium supplementation in the treatment of hypokalemic patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
• Williams FM and colleagues. Dietary garlic and hip osteoarthritis: evidence of a protective effect and putative mechanism of action.
• Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally: The Untold Story By Raquel Martin

You may also like to read:

• 6 warning signs differentiating arthritis from usual joint pain
• Beat arthritis with these 6 diet tips (Gallery)
• 6 yoga asanas to beat arthritis
• Arthritis: Understanding the disease
• Suffer from osteoarthritis? Don't lose hope!
• 'Obesity major reason for arthritis in younger people' (Expert Interview)
• Arthritis Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment, Management
• How I reversed my arthritis naturally! (Get inspired)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Your guide to living with the disease
• Guide to living with arthritis
• Six food habits to beat arthritis
• Exercise to keep arthritis pain away

For more articles on arthritis, check out our arthritis section, respectively. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.