This is by no means an exhaustive list, but something to get you started.
Avoid:
A diet high in sugar and other harmful foods can contribute to the painful effects of arthritis. Some of the most harmful foods include: sugar, caffeine, red meat, dairy products, red peppers, and salt, as well as highly processed foods and soft drinks.
Vegetable oils with their omega-6 fatty acids aggravate arthritis symptoms.
Cut back on, or better yet, eliminate, store bought salad dressings, fried foods, and corn. These foods contribute to swelling and inflammation.
Avoid foods from the nightshade family as they are known to affect the inflamed joints adversely. Potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, tamarios, pepinos, pimentos, paprika, and cayenne are classified as nightshade foods.
Eliminating these foods from your diet will bring relief to stiff and achy joints.
Good Foods:
Anti-inflammatory foods to include:
Salmon, sardines and other cold-water fish, olive oil, seeds, almonds, pecans and walnuts for Omega-3 oils.
Pineapple, grapefruit and other citrus fruits help reduce inflammation.
Fresh green and yellow vegetables produce beta-carotene and are rich in vitamin C and anti oxidants, known to have anti inflammatory effects.
Butternut squash, pumpkin, and apricots are rich in beta-cryptoxanthin which is good for your bones and cartilage.
Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals will help keep your arthritis at bay.
Drinking lots of water will help keep the joints lubricated. Try to get at least 60 ounces of water per day.
Have you had an experience with a natural cure? Please share.
Kathy Fannon, Certified Holistic Health Coach
