Arthritis is a term that covers multiple types of arthritis and related conditions in which joint pain or joint disease occurs. The most characteristic arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, decreased range of motion, and more. Luckily, there are arthritis treatments and medications that can help manage and improve such symptoms, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), counterirritants, steroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, physical therapy, and surgery, if necessary. By speaking to your healthcare provider, you can select the best treatment option for your specific needs. However, what many individuals don’t consider is how essential a change in diet can be for arthritis management. Here are the top foods for arthritis to incorporate into your diet today:

1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This compound acts as a shield against the production of cytokines, known for their inflammatory effects. Notably, consuming tomatoes can bolster the body’s defenses against inflammatory diseases. Load up on cherry tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and more to benefit from their goodness!

2. Fatty fish
Salmon, tuna, Mackerel, and Trout, are all examples of fatty fish that should be included in the arthritis diet. Such fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin D, both of which are excellent for helping to reduce inflammation. If fish isn’t a loved food of yours, you can also try omega-3 supplements to get your daily intake in.

3. Nuts
Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and similar nuts are rich in fiber, protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin E, and various other nutrients. As a snack, they serve as an excellent addition to promote a balanced diet. Notably, these nuts are heart-healthy, making them a particularly beneficial choice for individuals with arthritis, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis, as they face a higher risk of heart disease. Try making a trail mix with these nuts and enjoy the benefits!

4. Fruits and berries
Include strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges in your diet, as these fruits and berries harbor potent antioxidants. By integrating them into your meals, you can combat inflammation with their rich reservoirs of antioxidants, compounds, and essential nutrients such as polyphenols, fiber, vitamin C, ellagic acid, and more. Try topping these fruits and berries on your oatmeal, parfaits, cereal, or just add them to a bowl to snack on!

5. Green tea
Green tea offers numerous health benefits, primarily due to its abundance of polyphenols— powerful antioxidants capable of halting the production of inflammatory chemicals within the body, even those associated with arthritis. Consider replacing your morning coffee with a cup of green tea to experience the potential positive impact on how you feel.