According to recent studies, many Blacks are dealing with varying forms of arthritis. In fact, they’re more likely to develop certain types of arthritis than other ethnicities. Regardless of what kind of pain you’re dealing with, it’s good to know that you can do more than taking medications for your aching joints. Research shows that making a few changes to your diet can help you to manage your arthritis so let’s look at some of those beneficial foods.
Why Does A Diet Change Work?
There’s still a lot of work to be done but so far researchers have established a pretty strong link between what we eat and inflammation in our bodies. This inflammation has been tied to an increased risk of developing certain diseases as well as worsening existing conditions. When you eat foods that encourage inflammation, it can make arthritic pain worse. If you add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, on the other hand, there is evidence that you can make the pain more manageable.
READ: 13 Ways to Manage Arthritis Pain
What You Should Be Eating
It might sound like a lot of effort to include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet but many of them are already in your kitchen. The ones that you might not have are pretty easy to find so you’ll have no trouble getting them too.
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Here are 10 natural remedies for arthritis pain that may be hiding in your kitchen:
1. A Range Of Colorful Fruits
The best fruits for you are those that are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols. These nutrients are well known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some options include strawberries, apples, blueberries, pomegranates, raspberries, grapes, cherries, oranges, cranberries, and grapefruit.
2. Fresh And Lightly Cooked Vegetables
Many vegetables are full of antioxidants, polyphenols, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help to relieve arthritic pain. Some of the vegetables you need to eat are dark leafy greens, cauliflower, carrots, beets, broccoli, Winter squash, onions, red bell peppers, cabbage, corn, peas, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy.
READ: Could a Diet Change Help Your Arthritis?
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3. Legumes
While legumes don’t have anti-inflammatory properties, they are an excellent source of protein when you’re cutting down on meat consumption. You should try black beans, Anasazi beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), Adzuki beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, pinto beans, soybeans, lima beans, and lentils.
4. Whole Grain Foods
This category of foods contains a lot of the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals you need to keep your pain in check. Some great options include
