Introduction
If you suffer from arthritis, you know how difficult it can be to find the right foods to eat. You want to make sure that you are getting the right nutrients to help reduce inflammation and pain, but you also want to make sure that you are eating foods that are tasty and enjoyable. Fortunately, there is one food that dietitians recommend as the best food for arthritis: fish. Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Additionally, fish is a great source of protein, which can help to build and maintain muscle mass. In this article, we will discuss why fish is the #1 best food for arthritis, as well as some tips for incorporating it into your diet.
The #1 Best Food for Arthritis, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That
If you suffer from arthritis, you know how difficult it can be to find the right foods to eat. But according to dietitians, there is one food that stands out as the best for arthritis sufferers: fish. Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Fish is also a great source of protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and strength. It’s also low in saturated fat, which can help reduce cholesterol levels. And, it’s a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which is important for bone health.
When it comes to choosing the best type of fish for arthritis, dietitians recommend fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. They are also low in mercury, which can be toxic in high amounts.
If you’re looking for a way to get more fish into your diet, try adding it to salads, soups, and stir-fries. You can also try baking, grilling, or poaching it. And, if you’re not a fan of fish, you can get omega-3 fatty acids from other sources, such as flaxseed, walnuts, and chia seeds.
Eating fish regularly can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. So, if you suffer from arthritis, make sure to include fish in your diet. It’s the #1 best food for arthritis, according to dietitians.
The pain and frustration from having arthritis can be enough to drastically affect your day-to-day life. The stiffness and swelling that it can cause in your joints can make it difficult to do everyday tasks, as well as participate in your favorite activities. And unfortunately, the pain usually grows with age.
However, if you have arthritis, there are things you can do to help alleviate some of the pain and swelling. And one major way of reducing the inconvenience caused by arthritis is eating healthier foods.
According to Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, the best food you can eat if you have arthritis is any food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be something like “fatty fish, walnuts, or chia seeds.”
Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory
According to the Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology, an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet can not only help prevent certain types of arthritis, but it can also make your experience of rheumatoid arthritis less painful.
Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly known to help reduce inflammation, something that is key in living with arthritis. “An anti-inflammatory diet is an ideal diet for those living with RA,” says Best, “and this is primarily due to arthritis being an inflammatory condition.”
Balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Many people have heard of omega-3 fatty acids, but omega-6 fatty acids are less commonly known. These polyunsaturated fats, which you can find in vegetable oils, as well as most types of nuts and seeds, are pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess.
And according to Best, “when there is an imbalance between the two (omega-3 and omega-6), the body will be chronically inflamed.” So finding a balance of omega-3 and 6 is key for reducing inflammation.
The takeaway
The foods that are going to be highest in omega-3s are fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. You can also get these fatty acids through walnuts, chia seeds, soybean oil, and canola oil.
And if you’re not into eating these foods, you can always talk to your doctor about taking an omega-3 supplement.
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