Learn about anti-arthritis food remedies.

Ginger: This piquant spice, often used in Asian and Indian cooking, is more than just tasty. For centuries ginger’s anti-inflammatory powers have been recognized, but more recently science has confirmed these effects. In fact, ginger reduces inflammation in several different ways. According to an article in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, compounds in ginger suppress the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, both of which are involved in the inflammatory response, and inhibit several inflammation-related genes. Give an anti-inflammatory boost to your beverage with my Ginger Green Tea or my Beet Carrot Ginger Juice.

Turmeric: Like ginger, turmeric has long been recognized for its medicinal anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is the primary spice component of curry powder and gives curry dishes their characteristic yellow color. In a study in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging, turmeric extract was as effective in relieving osteoarthritis knee pain as ibuprofen, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Add turmeric to soups, stews, and sauces for an instant anti-inflammatory fix and check out my Chicken Curry and Vegetables recipe.

Cinnamon: Used in baked goods and sprinkled on lattes, there may be more to cinnamon than its sweet, spicy flavor. In recent years, cinnamon has been studied for its ability to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. More recently, a study in mice showed that cinnamon might be beneficial in chronic inflammation and arthritis. More research is needed in humans to confirm these results but in the meantime, why not start the day with my Vanilla-Cinnamon French Toast?

Omega-3 fatty acids: You’ve probably heard by now that omega-3s are beneficial to a number of health conditions, and arthritis is no exception. A study in the journal Surgical Neurology compared the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (as a fish oil supplement) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in people with neck and back pain caused by arthritis. People who consumed the omega-3s experienced as much pain relief (with fewer side effects) as those taking NSAIDS. Stock your pantry with food sources of these powerful agents such as canned salmon and sardines, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts.

Cherries: Could reducing the pain of arthritis – specifically gouty arthritis – be as simple as eating a bowl of cherries? A study in the Journal of Nutrition suggests it might be. Several markers of inflammation were decreased in study participants who ate a bowl of cherries each morning for about a month. More research is needed to confirm these results but given the known benefits of cherries – including lowering blood pressure, easing muscle soreness, and perhaps even fighting cancer – why not start enjoying cherries today? Try fresh, dried unsweetened, and even frozen cherries like in my Cherry-Vanilla Yogurt Pops.

Want more natural anti-arthritis remedies? Click here to learn other ways to fight inflammation at home.