BENNINGTON BANNER – Eating an anti-inflammatory diet and incorporating many foods showcased in the Mediterranean diet can help stave off or reduce arthritis in its many forms.
Foods rich in healthy fats and antioxidants like olive oil, avocado and wild-caught salmon help to reduce inflammation.
As with anything, avoiding inflammatory oils, sugar and gut irritants, like emulsifiers and other additives present in processed foods, will aid overall health and lower levels of inflammation.
Load up on antioxidants and polyphenols.
Blum stresses that many people who suffer from arthritis have more oxidative stress than those who don’t. Oxidative stress is a manifestation of too many free radicals in our bodies, which can be aided with antioxidants and polyphenol-rich foods. A quick rule of thumb is to search out colorful veggies and fruits. The brighter, the better!
Maintain blood sugar.
Balancing our blood sugar is important in healing most any disease or condition. Eating balanced meals featuring whole grains (like real whole grains, not just a package that says “whole grain”), protein and veggies can aid glucose levels. Eating twice as many vegetables as fruits helps to stabilize our blood sugar, as well.
Exercise.
While we might not all need to eliminate sewing from our exercise routines (especially those who actually know how to do it well), movement plays an important role in staving off inflammation and arthritis. The trouble with inflammation is that it makes us hurt, and when we hurt, we move less and less.
Balance exercises are reported to be helpful for arthritis sufferers, and swimming can make movement easier for stiff joints. Building strength is important for maintaining muscle mass. Yoga is terrific for all things wellness, but if that’s not your cup of green tea (which contains antioxidants), just walking a bit each day is also beneficial.
Relax and destress.
We must not underestimate the importance of relaxing and taking time for ourselves. Though resting is often thought of as laziness, relaxation, meditation or just a couple of deep breaths are powerful tools to combat stress and the inflammation it brings.
Katharine A. Jameson, a certified nutrition counselor writes about food and health for Vermont News & Media. For more tricks, tips and hacks, find her on Instagram:
@foodforthoughtwithkat.
