Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that impacts the joints, especially the hands and the feet. The body’s immune system actually attacks its own tissue. This causes painful joint swelling, which may eventually lead to erosion or deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis can be seen on both sides of the body, in symmetry such as both hands, both wrists or both knees. Other body parts it can effect include the skin, eyes, heart, lungs, nerves, or blood.

Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis look for relief from many sources. Dietary supplements and changes are common ways that those who have the disease seek to control it themselves. Anti-inflammatory foods provide relief for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A good rule of thumb is to choose foods that have an abundance of good fats, or omega-3s. These lubricate the joints and help to alleviate many of the symptoms that are connected with the disease. The overall anti inflammatory effect of these foods helps to promote well being in a person who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Garlic
Garlic is a common supplement or food that many people who have rheumatoid arthritis take. They will either buy garlic pills or use garlic in their cooking to add flavor and experience relief from rheumatoid arthritis. It works by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Garlic is best used in addition to other supplements, such as coconut oil.

2. Turmeric
Turmeric is another popular supplement used to help to reduce inflammation and relieve rheumatoid arthritis. The curcumin is a naturally occurring compound that has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation. It blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines like cyclooxygenase-2. This is the response targeted in prescription medications.

3. Fatty fish
A healthy source of omega-3s is fish. Eating fish or taking a supplement such as cod liver oil is a natural way to get this compound. Omega-3’s help to decrease the body’s production of inflammatory compounds. In this logic, they will help to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis because of the reduced inflammation.

4. Nuts and seeds
Omega-3’s can be found in other foods, such as chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. Adding these to the diet has many beneficial effects, including helping to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Whole foods
Other advice includes staying away from processed foods and adding more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in the diet. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which has numerous healing effects on the body.