Inflammatory arthritis is a term used to describe a group of conditions which affect your immune system. This means that your body’s defense system starts attacking your own tissues instead of germs, viruses and other foreign substances, which can cause pain, stiffness and joint damage. They’re also known as autoimmune diseases. The two most common forms of inflammatory arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
One of the most powerful ways to combat inflammatory arthritis is by the foods you choose to eat or not eat. By choosing the right foods, you may be able to reduce your risk of illness. But if you consistently choose the wrong foods, you could actually accelerate the inflammatory disease process.
Worst Foods You Should Avoid
- Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
- French fries and other fried foods
- Soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages
- Red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
- Margarine, shortening, and lard
Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Should Consume
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
- Nuts like almonds and walnuts
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
- Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
To reduce painful inflammation, you need to aim for an overall healthy diet. Taking an omega-3 fatty acid supplement can help. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), fish oil (EPA and DHA) is the most commonly used dietary supplement in the United States. A study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease in 2013, found that when a high-dose fish oil supplement is added to therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, patients achieved better outcomes: they were far less likely to “fail” treatment and twice as likely to reach remission than those who did not take a supplement.
OmegaKrill Pro from Dr. Newton’s Naturals is a powerful omega-3 krill oil antioxidant that can be 300% more effective and easier to absorb than over-the-counter fish oil. It also comes without the fishy aftertaste of fish oil.