Firstly, the anti-inflammatory properties of cherry juice make it a very beneficial treatment for arthritis. Cherry juice helps to reduce the symptoms of the condition, especially in gouty arthritis, and clear uric acid from the bloodstream. Another anti-inflammatory dietary source is cold water fish, such as salmon and tuna, which cure the pain and inflammation of arthritis thanks to their omega-3 fatty acids.
Because papaya contains papain and pineapple is rich in bromelain, these fruits are good tools to cure arthritis effectively. These are superfood protease enzymes which relieve inflammation, but if you’re after something less tropical then you can find anti-inflammatory properties in other fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, elderberries and cranberries.
According to research, olive oil contains oleocanthal which has the power to block arthritis-causing enzymes in your body, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil has the same effect as 225mg of ibuprofen. Studies have also shown that a deficiency in the powerful mineral selenium can increase your symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis of the knee and chronic arthritis, so a diet rich in selenium dense foods, such as tuna, whole-wheat pasta, shrimps, whole-grains, wheat germ, lean beef, turkey, cauliflower, crab, oyster and Brazil nuts, can help your body fight against inflammation, pain and other signs of arthritis.
Yet it’s not just food that can help you fight against arthritis, what you drink can also make all the difference. When inflammation occurs, your body releases certain chemicals which cause pain in your joints, but the many natural antioxidants in green tea, and EGCG or epigallocatechin-3-gallate in particular, can block the production of these inflammatory chemicals.
Finally, never underestimate the power of vitamin C as a deficiency in this vitamin can make you four times more likely to develop arthritis. Your body cannot store vitamin C, and so you need to have some in your diet every day. The best sources of this vitamin are guava, bell peppers, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, broccoli, kiwi and kidney beans. However, if you suffer from osteoarthritis, it is not advisable to overdo it on the vitamin C. In any case, consult your doctor about the suitable dose before you take steps to include it in your diet.