Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe over 200 different conditions that affect the joints and the surrounding and connective tissues. There is no known cause, but some probable causes are inherited genes, injuries, metabolic imbalances, or infections. Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis manifest in other parts of the body, and the disease affects the joints only at a later stage.

In ancient times, illnesses and infections were considered to be a result of an internal imbalance in the body, and treatment aimed to restore the balance through a healthy diet and proper exercise. Treatment also included the use of food to prevent certain infections/illnesses, making it a more holistic approach. The treatment for arthritis consists of pain management through medication, non-pharmacological therapy, physical/occupational therapy, assistive aids, food and diet management, weight loss, and surgery. Apart from these, changes in dietary habits can also help manage the condition effectively. Some of the top foods to manage arthritis pain are easily available in your kitchen.

Top foods to manage pain due to arthritis
Following a Mediterranean diet is beneficial for arthritis patients as it includes low-glycemic fruits, fresh vegetables, legumes, non-saturated fats, olive oil, wine and a moderate amount of alcohol, fatty fish that are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, yogurt, and low amounts of dairy and red meat. The following are some of the top foods to help manage pain due to arthritis:

Whole cereals and unrefined grains
These include oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread.

Cruciferous vegetables
These are vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and artichoke.

Herbs and spices
Adding certain herbs and spices to your food not only provides flavor but also helps incorporate their healing properties into your diet. Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herbs and spices that can be added while cooking.

Nuts and seeds
Walnuts are loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce pain and swelling. On the other hand, flaxseeds aid in weight management, which is important to relieve stress on the joints.

Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and tart cherries are packed with antioxidants and help relieve inflammation. They are rich in quercetin, which has an amazing property of being able to block inflammatory processes that accompany arthritic conditions.

Leafy greens
Including a serving of fresh greens in your daily diet has immense benefits for overall health. Higher consumption of fresh leafy greens also provides fiber, which aids bowel movement and removal of body waste. Spinach is high in a substance known as Kaempferol, which is anti-inflammatory and also slows the deterioration associated with osteoarthritis.

Fruits
Fresh fruits like grapes, kiwi, pineapples, apples, cantaloupe, and other fruits high in vitamin C are beneficial in relieving pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Antioxidants, which are present in all fruits, are effective in blocking pain and slowing down the progress of joint deterioration in osteoarthritis.