Did you know that eating certain foods can help relieve arthritis pain? Here are the best foods and treatment options to stop joint pain for good!

The foods we eat can help reduce the pain and swelling of conditions such as arthritis. In fact, you can eat several different foods for arthritis relief while enjoying a healthy diet. In order to fully understand foods that relieve arthritis pain, we need to look at the disease itself and how it impacts the body. Keep reading to learn more about arthritis symptoms and the best foods to relieve arthritis pain. 

What Is Arthritis? 

Arthritis is a term that describes several conditions that cause inflammation of the joints and the surrounding connective tissues. This inflammation can seriously impact or impede the normal functioning of the joints. Arthritis affects people of all ages, however, it's most common among adults aged 60 years and older. 

There are several different forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and the second most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating condition that can severly impact quality of life. It affects both the joints and many other organs in the body.

Arthritis Causes

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis it is. Common causes of arthritis include:

Wear and tear of overused joints: this is called osteoarthritis and is most common in adults over 60 years old.

Obesity: excess body weight can cause symptoms of arthritis.

Injuries: Existing injuries and weakness of the muscles can lead to osteoarthritis.

Genes: Healthcare providers believe that genetics may make some people more susceptible to developing arthritis.

Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition caused by inflammation. 

Symptoms Of Arthritis 

As many as 10% of Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. If you're one of them, you know how terrible this condition can be. The pain, stiffness, and swelling can make life miserable – and finding an effective treatment can be challenging. 

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Instability
• Click of popping of joints
• Fatigue

At times symptoms of arthritis can be more intense, especially first thing in the morning and after prolonged periods of standing. 

Diets That Alleviate Arthritis

Although there are no special foods that can treat arthritis, there are some which can help to reduce inflammation and therefore limit pain. It has also been shown that maintaining a healthy weight can help improve arthritis symptoms. If you are overweight, speak to your healthcare provider, and request a safe weight loss diet with rheumatoid arthritis. Great food for rheumatoid arthritis include:

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, including mackerel and tuna, contain anti-inflammatory vitamins and fatty acids such as vitamin D and omega-3. If you don't like fish or don't eat fish, you can take fatty fish or fish oil supplements to help reduce inflammation. Before starting any new supplements, speak to your healthcare provider. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another food product that contains a high amount of anti-inflammatory and healthy fats. These fats have been proven to help reduce arthritic effects.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and pecans can help to reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis. Containing high amounts of Omega-3, calcium, and vitamin E, nuts have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

Garlic 

Vegetables with sulfur-containing compounds such as garlic have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body which can help reduce pain and other arthritic symptoms. 

Berries

Berries are high in antioxidants known as anthocyanins and have particularly potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help to reduce inflammation of bones and joints.

If you're living with arthritis, simple lifestyle changes can help you reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms.