Certain foods contain substances that can provide significant relief from pain caused by joint inflammation (arthritis). Foods with anti-inflammatory effects, for example, reduce inflammatory pain. Both the more common type of joint inflammation, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis result in inflamed joint tissue, which is why anti-inflammatory medication is usually prescribed by the doctor.

 

Free radicals, which are unstable molecules that attack healthy cells, exacerbate inflammation and accelerate the ageing process and wear and tear on joints. It therefore makes sense to enrich your diet with anti-inflammatory foods that are rich in antioxidants.

 

Omega-3-rich foods

Like aspirin, the omega-3 fatty acids contained in oily fish stimulate the production of a recently discovered anti-inflammatory fat, resolvin. Resolvin inhibits the activity of inflammatory cells. This is particularly helpful for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, in which not only joints but also organs become inflamed.

 

Antioxidants

Free radicals sabotage the cartilage's ability to regenerate. Patients with joint inflammation are usually exposed to significantly more free radicals and should therefore eat a diet particularly rich in antioxidants. This includes fruit and vegetables with plenty of vitamin C and beta-carotenes. Recommended foods are citrus fruits (oranges, kiwi) and green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale.

 

Pomegranate juice

The Persian fruit has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Pomegranate juice is said to have the ability to protect joint cartilage.

 

Pineapple juice

The enzyme bromelain is particularly good at relieving inflammation. Like anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen), pineapple juice relieves arthritis pain when drunk between meals. If pineapple juice is drunk with meals, the enzyme is mainly used to digest the food. Fresh pineapple juice is better.

 

Anti-inflammatory spices

Certain spices combat inflammation. These include ginger, cloves and turmeric, the spice that gives curry its yellow colour. They inhibit enzymes and proteins that cause inflammation. Ginger and turmeric also reduce the pain and swelling of joint inflammation. These spices also contain antioxidants that slow down the damage to cartilage.

 

Green tea

Green tea contains quercetin, a compound that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Green tea is said to alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in particular.