A diet for the relief of arthritis is based mainly on anti-inflammatory foods. After all, arthtritis is a disease that inflames and stiffens the joints. Over 53 million adults in the United States alone suffer from arthritis. The worldwide figures must be significantly larger. Any help one can get in making their lives or the lives of their loved ones easier must be taken. Remember, arthritis has no cure, so temporary relief becomes all the more important in light of that point.

This arthritis diet is recommended by doctors and experts. Most of the foods listed below have a anti-inflammatory effect and, being organic and natural, they offer other other health benefits as well. Adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, which compose this list, is always good for the body and will help with a host of illnesses.

1. Olive oil

At JoyByNature, we've spoken extensively about the wonders of olive oil.

Olive oil has another role to play in the drama of arthritis as well. It contains an anti-inflammatory compound called oleocanthal which, as you might have guessed, prevents inflammation. The effect olive oil has on relieving pain is similar to prescribed medication like ibuprofen and aspririn.

Olive oil is the first food item to turn to because of the variety of benefits it offers. The oil is far healthier than any other cooking oil. It contains the right kind of fat, although it is high in calories so you'll want to keep an eye on that.

2. Vitamin C Rich Foods

A study concluded that a healthy intake of Vitamin C reduced the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis by a whopping 30%!

Vitamin C is rich in anti-oxidants as well, and it has also been discovered that those who consumed sufficient vitamin C were 11% less likely to develop Osteoarthritis.

Funnily enough, it is also known that too an excess consumption of vitamin C worsens arthritis symptoms. It can also increase the risk of kidney stones. A moderate consumption, which can be gained from fruits, is recommended.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli, like brussel sprouts and cabbage, are rich in a chemical compound call sulforaphane. These compounds slow down cartilage damage which arise from certain arthritis conditions. Your mom was right when she wanted you to eat those green veggies.

4. Omega-3 Rich Foods

Omega-3 rich foods reduce the inflammation in cartilage. Studies have been undertaken to learn more of its benefits with respect to arthritis and they have returned positive. Participants remarked that they felt less pain, fatigue, swelling and stiffness. A good vegetarian source of Omega-3 is flaxseed.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a natural source for many compounds which have an anti-inflammatory effect. The positive effects of ginger on nasal problems and headaches is well known, but less well known is this effect on joint pain. The studies that have been directed to it have not shown conclusive results, but many stand by it's anti-inflammatory effect. Again, it is because o f anti-oxidant properties. 

6. Green Tea

Where haven't you heard of the healthiness of green tea? Anti-oxidants, which are critical to so many different organs of the body, reduce inflammation, and hence are essential components of the diet to be had by someone who suffers from arthritis. EGCG is the name of the anti-oxidant and it stops the production of the chemicals which result in the inflammation of joints. It has also been suggested that they preserve cartilage.

It tastes good too, so why not have a closer look here?

Arthritis is a terrible illness that one is plagued with until the end. All that can be done to suppress the disabling condition is make lifestyle changes that, in combination with medication, will reduce the discomfort that comes it. Don't put it off - the more you delay, the worse condition will become and there's no possibility of rewinding the progress of the condition.