Arthritis Diet

First, the anti-inflammatory qualities in these foods and supplements will provide the same pain-killing effects that you may currently be getting from NSAID's such as Ibuprofen. (NSAID's are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). See our page on  Arthritis Drugs and learn about the life-threatening dangers of these products.

Second, all these foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that are essential to maintain a healthy body, so you get the all round benefits and protection against all sorts of diseases and illnesses.

I'll bet you're thinking "Not another fad diet that's boring and expensive and will leave me starving all day long". Not necessarily so! Almost all these foods can be found on any supermarket's shelves. For most people, we are talking minor changes in choices and flavours and the willingness to experiment a bit.

However, if most of your meals come from Macdonalds or Burger King or from ready meals in the supermarket freezer, then you are looking at major changes in your weekly shopping list. It's your choice. Just take a few minutes to read the rest of this page and then decide if getting rid of your pain is worth the effort. Just give it a try, if it doesn't work and you don't feel a whole lot better, Macdonalds will still be there. 

Any comprehensive arthritis treatment must include a sensible diet. There is a huge selection of everyday foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and these are the main groups:

Vegetables.

Bell Peppers   Choy  Broccoli  Brussels Sprouts  Cabbage  Cauliflower  Fennel Bulb   
Garlic  Green Beans  Green Onions/Spring Onions  Carrots  Kale  Leeks   

Spinach deserves a special mention on its own. It is the most nutritious
of the leafy green vegetables  and is chock full of valuable vitamins and minerals.
Popey knew a thing or Two.

Fruits

 Guavas  Kiwifruit  Lemons  Limes  Mulberries  Oranges  Papaya  Raspberries  Cherries  Apples 
Avocados  Black Currants  Blueberries  Fresh Pineapple   Rhubarb  Strawberries  Tomatoes

 Fish & Seafood

Sardines  Mackerel  Snapper   Bass  Tuna  Cod  Halibut  Herring  Trout  Salmon  Oysters

These oily fish are a rich source of Omega 3 oils, which are beneficial to the brain, the heart and the joints.

If you don't like eating fish, Omega 3 oils can be purchased in capsule form.
These have the added advantage that the refining process removes many of the toxins which fish absorb from pollutants in the sea (such as Mercury, which is extremely toxic).

Cold pressed organic Flax Seed Oil is also a valuable source of Omega 3 Oils and has the added advantage that it is purely vegetable in content. 

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are two long-chain omega-3s that are used by the body to control inflammation and maintain the brain and nervous system.

 Herbs & Spices 
   
Basil  Cayenne Peppers/Chilli Peppers  Cinnamon  Cloves  Licorice  Mint  Parsley
Rosemary  Thyme  Turmeric

Oregano is high in antioxidant activity, due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. It is a very good source of iron, manganese and dietary fibre, as well as calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A (through its concentration pro-vitamin A carotenoids like beta-carotene) and omega-3 fatty acids.

Nuts & Seeds 

Almonds  Flaxseed/Linseed  Hazelnuts  Sunflower Seeds  Walnuts

Water

An essential part of any arthritis diet. It's not the most exciting drink but it is not that difficult to drink two pints a day, even if you take it a cupful at a time, steadily throughout the day.  You could well be surprised at the difference it makes

Some Helpful Treats  (Left the best till last)

Dark Chocolate (with at least 70% pure cocoa) Make a large bar last a week. 
Red Wine (No more than 2 glasses a day)

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