6 Foods For Arthritis l Foods to Heal the Body l Food For Inflammation

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The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion shared that with the aging of the American population, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to increase in the coming decades. Additionally, an "estimated 78.4 million of adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, compared with the 54.4 million adults in 2013-2015." We often hear about arthritis, but what is it? Arthritis is the injury to the joints where the natural breakdown of cartilage tissue starts to deteriorate. Once more, there are over 100 types of arthritis-related diseases. The symptoms may range from stiffness, pain and a decrease in the range of motion. Symptoms also may be mild or severe enough to limit people's daily activities. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes and disfiguration. "These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints," the Arthritis Foundation reported. There is no cure for the condition, but eating right could help. Here are 6 foods to help you combat arthritis.

Leafy Greens

To combat arthritis you need to eat foods with vitamin D and going green overall is so much better for you. "If you're trying to reduce your risk of diabetes or lower your chances of heart attacks, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, then vitamin D should be at the front of the line in your daily supplement regimen," WebMD suggested. Eat dark leafy green vegetables like swiss chard and spinach, which provides vitamins B12, folic acid, potassium, vitamins A, C and K. Spinach is a superfood and is high in niacin, protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese. Consuming more leafy greens will also help keep your immune system shape.

Fish

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Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel and salmon could help with arthritis since they can fight against inflammation. Essential fatty acids known as omega-3s can be a tool to use. EPA and DHA are found to reduce inflammation, which causes the pain with arthritis. “The marine omega-3 fatty acids nip inflammation in the bud before it ignites. They really help to tamp down inflammation in the body on a cellular level,” Kim Larson, Spokesperson Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson, shared with arthritis.org. The omega-3 essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation not only where arthritis invaded, but throughout the body. Try a couple of servings of fish a week like wild-caught salmon, lake trout, herring, sardines and tuna. If you don't like to eat fish, you can purchase supplements comprising of fish oil.

Cherries

Cherries are packed with vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin A fights free radicals caused by oxidation and may reduce inflammation. Imagine not having to use drugs to kill pain? Dr. Muraleedharan Nair is the Senior Associate to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University and he believes that cherries might be the answer to our pain. He explained that "eating cherries can be just as good as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” He also suggested that consuming tart cherries can significantly reduce inflammation. Cherries also may lower blood pressure by taking excess sodium from the body and it may reduce the prospect of hypertension from occurring. The darker the cherry, the better it is for you!

Pink Grapefruit

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Vitamin C is vital for us to flourish and it is a necessity for our immune systems to remain strong. Pink grapefruit can aid people with arthritis by delivering up 80 percent of the dietary allowance of vitamin C by eating just half of it. “Scientists suspect that the link lies in plant compounds found in grapefruits that block the functions of prostaglandins which contribute to inflammation,” author Cindy Tjol explained. Inflammation is known to cause diseases like cancer and it's wear and tear on the body may cause other autoimmune diseases like lupus. Other vitamin C filled fruits are strawberries, oranges, watermelons, mangos and papayas. Additionally, cruciferous veggies can help with inflammation. Try bok choy, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard greens and watercress.

Spices

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Spices can really help kick your dish up a notch and add more complexity to a meal. But they're also great to help reduce inflammation. Spices that will make your senses flutter and that will relieve joint pain are turmeric, basil, oregano, rosemary and cinnamon. Furthermore, you can add dried chili peppers to your dishes for a nice punch. David Heber, MD is the director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition. He maintained the position that spices can support the body. “Studies show that many different herbs and spices offer health benefits,” he told WebMD. "Most of the evidence exists for cinnamon, chili peppers, turmeric, garlic thyme and rosemary," With spices, a small amount goes a long way. So, a dash here and a dash there can really make for a happy palette and a happy body.

Green Tea

Green tea has really evolved over the years and has emerged as a superfood. A 2008 study found that rats with rheumatoid arthritis were given green tea and found something extraordinary. Green tea significantly reduced the inflammation found in the animals. "It can lead to future pharmacology for treatment in humans, whether it be medications or natural substances like green tea, drinking one to three cups of green tea a day," Kari Kooi, RD, a corporate wellness dietician at The Methodist Hospital in Houston told Woman's Day. Green tea boosts T-cell production which means it enhances your body’s natural immune system to fight off infections. Regularly drinking green tea will detox the body and burn calories--perfect for igniting the metabolism.