Arthritis friendly foods for colder temperatures

During the colder months, we often crave comfort foods.  While you can’t cure arthritis with food, growing evidence suggests that following a healthy diet and adding in specific foods and spices could help fight inflammation and joint pain.If you suffer from painful arthritis and your symptoms are worse in the winter, try adding these cold weather arthritis-friendly foods to your diet:

1. Fatty Fish– Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. Try adding fatty fish to your diet 1-2 times per week. A quick broil in the oven with some lemon juice and olive oil makes a delicious warm meal. If you’re not a big fan of fish, ask your doctor about taking an omega-3 supplement, like OmegaKrill Pro.
2. Dark Leafy Green Vegetables– Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, swiss chard and bok choy are packed with powerful antioxidants like vitamins A, C and K, which protect your cells from damaging free radicals. They are also high in bone healthy calcium.  Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies also contain a natural compound called sulforaphane.  Research on mice found that sulforaphane blocks the inflammatory process and might slow cartilage damage in osteoarthritis.  Throw dark leafy green vegetables, especially spinach, in any winter soup.
3. Ginger and Turmeric– Certain spices have anti-inflammatory effects, like ginger and turmeric. Turmeric is an Asian mustard-yellow spice found in curry. Ginger contains chemicals that work similarly to some anti-inflammatory medications.  A hot cup of tea with ginger, turmeric and CalMax Plus can help ease your arthritis pain on a chilly night.
4. Cherries– Cherries contain potent antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation. They contribute to the health of connective tissues and are even more powerful than vitamin C for fighting damaging free radicals.  Besides cherries, berries (blackberries, blueberries, elderberries, raspberries and elderberries), eggplant, grapes and plums are also rich in anthocyanins.  A warm fruit crumble can be the perfect complement to your cup of tea.
5. Garlic– Garlic contains a compound called diallyl disulfide that helps in limiting cartilage-damaging enzymes. It’s a member of the allium family, which also includes onions and leeks. It’s also an easy, savory, addition to most winter meals from chicken or meatloaf to garlic bread.