Arthritis: Doctor gives advice on best foods to help ease pain
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Arthritis is extremely common, affected more than 10 million people in the UK alone. If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis, you could lower your chances of joint pain by adding more fruit to your breakfast routine.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK.
It’s caused by the smooth cartilage lining the joints becoming gradually more and more worn down.
There are treatments available to relieve your joint pain if you have arthritis.
However, simply adding more fruit to your diet could help to protect against symptoms too.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain flavonoids known as anthocyanins, which work as an anti-inflammatory, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
They’re also rich in vitamin C, which has been claimed to protect against gout.
“Strawberries are naturally low in sugar and have more vitamin C per serving than an orange,” it said.
“Vitamin C can lower risk for gout, high blood pressure and cholesterol problems.”
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Watermelon
Watermelon has been claimed to reduce the inflammatory marker CRP, it added, just like strawberries.
It also contains the carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which specifically reduces the chances of rheumatoid arthritis.
“Watermelon is also ninety-two percent water, which makes it great for hydration and weight management,” it said.
“One cup of watermelon has about 40 calories – plus about a third of your recommended daily allowance of vitamins A and C.”
Grapes
Arthritis patients could benefit from eating grapes, because they’re rich in antioxidants and polyphenols.
They contain bioactive compounds that work in a similar way to common arthritis medications.
“Both white and darker-coloured varieties of grapes are a great source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols.
“Researchers are studying its potential for improving symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as for other chronic diseases linked to ageing.”
Even if you add more fruit to your diet, you shouldn’t forget to manage your arthritis symptoms in other ways, too.
Make sure to do plenty of exercise, and try to maintain a healthy weight.
Physiotherapy and painkillers could also help to relieve some of your arthritis symptoms.
Speak to a doctor if your symptoms get worse unexpectedly, or if you’re worried that you might have arthritis.
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