All three doctors say that the best diet for people with inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout) is an anti-inflammatory diet.
“This [way of eating] includes foods we generally know are good for us anyway, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines which contain omega-3 fatty acids and are anti-inflammatory, and fruits, particularly berries and oranges, which are high in antioxidants,” Mehta said.
Both Mehta and Wright cited the Mediterranean diet as another eating plan that naturally includes foods that are anti-inflammatory and therefore good for people with achy joints.
“The Mediterranean diet prioritizes whole grains, vegetables, fish and other unprocessed foods while minimizing meat and processed foods. This way of eating seems to work universally for people with joint pain,” Wright said. Research does support the connection between the Mediterranean diet and improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Mehta emphasized that eating a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods isn’t just good for managing joint pain; it’s beneficial for overall health and preventing other chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of cancer.
“An anti-inflammatory diet is a good idea for anyone to follow, not just patients with inflammatory arthritis,” she said. That means if you take the majority of your meals with others, eating this way will benefit everyone around the table, not just you.
If you have any questions about managing your joint pain, talk to your health care provider. Treating your pain may take more than diet changes alone. But revamping your diet is a great place to start. Your entire body will be better for it.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
