When you are dealing with arthritis pain, remember that diet can be your biggest ally or your worst enemy. We often come across patients who are willing to make lifestyle changes to reduce their arthritis pain problems. But, it is also true that it’s difficult to make sudden changes all at once. Taking a look at your arthritis diet is a great place to start.
Many people live with chronic pain every day, unaware that a simple arthritis diet makeover can actually help them find relief. What and how much you eat is an important part of this puzzle. For example, choosing diet foods that build bone density, strengthen tissues and reduce inflammation can help prevent injuries and makes your joints stronger for an active pain-free life.
If you are one of the 50 million US adults suffering from chronic pain, here’s a reasonably healthy and anti-inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis diet that will allow your body to manage pain in a better way.
A Diet that can Help in Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management
- Fruits and Vegetables – Consume different varieties and go for lots of colored veggies and fruits. Vitamin-K rich leafy vegetables like spinach and kale reduce inflammation and help take your arthritis pain down a few notches. Similarly, fruits and berries in particular have an abundance of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. They are all great choices for your arthritis diet.
- Whole Grains: Foods like oatmeal, brown rice, and cereals are excellent sources of whole grains. Substitute your diet with a high-protein plant diet and whole grains to reduce chronic arthritis pain.
- Nuts: To reduce inflammation, it’s a good idea to increase fiber in your diet. Change what’s on your plate with nuts like walnuts, almonds, etc. They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that help in arthritis pain control.
- Fatty Fish: Put it on your plate at least twice a week. Fatty fish is useful to limit stiffness in the joints and are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. They help in the reduction of inflammation and chronic arthritis pain.
- Green Tea: Compounds in green tea have excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making it the perfect choice for your rheumatoid arthritis pain management diet.
- Herbs and Spices: Amongst many other known benefits of medicinal herbs and spices, are their ability to reduce inflammation and arthritis pain. Anti-inflammatory effects of spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, etc. are effective in fighting arthritis pain. They add flavor as well as antioxidant properties to your diet.
Inflammatory Foods to be Avoided | Worst Foods for Arthritis
- Red Meat: Healthy protein consumption is crucial for your arthritis pain management diet. However, red meat is said to have properties that increase inflammation and pain. It is better to reduce their consumption while you’re struggling with arthritis pain problems.
- Refined Carbohydrates: Refined or simple carbohydrates include sugars and refined grains that have been stripped of all bran, fiber, and nutrients. Pasta, pastries, white bread, white flour are all refined carbs that should be eliminated or consumed rarely while you’re on your rheumatoid arthritis pain management diet.
- Soda: Soda is said to have increased levels of uric acid. They are likely to increase inflammation and insulin resistance. Replace it with water or tea, which will in return help reduce arthritis pain and also help shed a few pounds.
- Fried Foods: Everything from fried chicken to deep-fried vegetables can be a source of inflammation in your body. Try avoiding these to enjoy the most health benefits out of your rheumatoid arthritis diet.
While changing your arthritis diet is a good start to tackle your pain issues, it is also important that you receive the right diagnosis and right care. Apart from making smart food choices, if you think you need an expert’s opinion to reduce your arthritis chronic or joint pains, we’ve got you covered. Visit texasjointpain.com to book an appointment or consult one of our specialists.