Joints
Joints are any point at which two bones come together. The joints that we tend to focus on most are those which allow the most movement, such as in the knees and fingers. Inflammation or degeneration of these joints can have crippling effects.
Because arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints, foods which reduce inflammation can relieve arthritis pain. On the flip side, foods which cause inflammation, such as dairy, red meat, gluten, sugar, salt, and preservatives, can trigger arthritis symptoms.
Beneficial Foods
| Asparagus | Traditionally used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and other conditions caused by inflammation. Its diuretic properties (resulting from high potassium, low sodium, and presence of the enzyme asparagine) may be responsible for its effectiveness against these ailments. |
| Cherries | Reduce inflammation that causes painful arthritis. |
| Ginger | Reduces inflammation and arthritic conditions and increases mobility in the joints, including hands and knees. |
| Hot Peppers | The capsaicin in hot peppers relieves arthritis. |
| Nettles | Help build joints. Relieve rheumatism and arthritis. |
| Strawberries | Contain phenols which help reduce the activity of the particular enzyme which is known to contributes to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. |
| Turmeric | Relieves the painful swelling of arthritis. |
Beneficial Nutrients
| Boron | Populations living in areas with boron-rich soil or drinking water, show significantly lower rates of arthritis. |
| Copper | Helps relieve inflammation and other symptoms of arthritis. |
| Fats | Raw fats, including cold-pressed oils, help lubricate the joints. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Reduce inflammation that causes joint pain. |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | Relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis. |
| Sulfur | Highly concentrated in the joints and joint fluid of healthy individuals. Typically lacking in arthritic joint tissue. |
| Vitamin C | Helps prevent inflammatory polyarthritis (rheumatoid arthritis involving multiple joints). |
| Vitamin E | Prevents and relieves arthritis pain and inflammation, improves joint mobility, prevents buildup of toxins in the joints. |