Top foods to alleviate pain of arthritis

Arthritis, both rheumatoid and osteo, is an extremely painful disease, which causes joints to swell and become stiff. Some studies have suggested that certain foods can help to alleviate the pain of arthritis.

Oily fish has inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, so try to eat salmon, tuna, mackerel or herring three or four times as week*

Soy also has omega-3 fatty acids, which you can get by eating tofu or edamame 

Cherries and berries have an anti-inflammatory effect, as do strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries

Broccoli is high in vitamins K and C and has a compound called sulforaphane, which could help slow the progression of osteoarthritis*

Whole grains can reduce inflammation and help with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, so eating  oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grain cereals is very helpful*

Beans are high in fibre and can reduce inflammation , especially red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans*

Turmeric.contains curcumin, shown to reduce inflammation at a cellular level. Mustard is a good source. Use it in curries and stir-frys

Parsley also has anti-inflammatory properties and is easy to grow yourself. Eat it salads and soups and as always, use it as a garnish!

Coriander helps with swelling and inflammation. Use it on baked potatoes, salads, soups and in Mexican and Thai food

Ginger can soothe stomach irritation and lessen inflammation. It also acts as a blood thinner, so be careful with ginger, if you are taking thinners such as Warfarin. Ginger is a staple of most Asian cookery

Garlic onions and leeks may limit cartilage-damaging enzymes in human cells and help prevent arthritis

Extra virgin olive oil has helathy fats and contains oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties  

Walnut oil is ten times higher in omega-3s than olive oil

Avocado and sunflower oils have cholesterol-lowering properties

Citrus fruit like oranges, grapefruits and limes are rich in vitamin C, which helps prevent inflammation and maintains healthy joints 

Bromelain is  a digestive enzyme coming from the stem of pineapples, which reduces inflammation, but it has to be taken in capsule or pill form

Green tea has antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation, but it also. vitamin K, which like ginger, can counteract blood thinners, so check with your doctor

Important note: foods above marked with an * can induce gout, so gout sufferers should avoid oily fish, beans, oats and broccoli, as they can induce attacks of gout.