Check out this list of what to add to your healthy diet and what to get rid of.

Living with arthritis, you've probably figured out which physical activities cause pain and which ones soothe your aching joints. Did you know that what you are eating may also have a significant impact on your joint pain? Check out this list of what to add to your healthy diet and what to get rid of.

Eat this

• Fish – According to the Arthritis Foundation, fish is one of the best things people with arthritis can consume. It is packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help improve joint health. The Arthritis Foundation suggests eating 3-4 ounces of mackerel, salmon, herring or tuna per week for maximum benefits.
• Healthy oils – Cooking with the right oils may be an easy and delicious way to help improve your arthritis symptoms. Sunflower, walnut, avocado and extra virgin olive oils are great sources of healthy fats and anti-inflammatory compounds like omega-3s and oleocanthal.
• Cherries – Sweet and tart, these delicious fruits are sure to be a welcome addition to your diet. Research suggests that cherries may help reduce gout attacks while also helping to reduce inflammation through anthocyanins.
• Green tea – This drink packs numerous healthy benefits. For starters, it is very high in polyphenols, compounds that may help reduce inflammation and the deterioration of cartilage.
• Whole grains – Ditch processed white bread for nutritious whole grains. They have been shown to lower blood levels of C-reactive protein, a substance associated with arthritis inflammation, according to the Arthritis Foundation. In addition to bread, make the whole-grain switch with your rice as well.

Avoid this

• Fried foods – You probably already know that fried foods can have a negative impact on your weight and heart, but did you know they may cause joint pain as well? According to Healthline, fried foods negatively impact your entire body, and research has found that ditching them in favor of nutritious options will help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system.
• Too much dairy – According to Everyday Health, some proteins found in dairy products may aggravate arthritis symptoms. They suggest taking a break from dairy to see if it improves your joint pain. If it does, there are a variety of milk substitutes that can provide health benefits and ease the transition away from lactose.
• Refined sugar – While some foods, like fruit, naturally contain glucose, you should avoid unhealthy treats that use refined sugar. Everyday Health notes that the inflammation present in your body due to arthritis makes it harder for you to break down sugars, and may also increase your risk for heart disease, which has been linked to a diet high in sweets.
• Alcohol – Drinking may increase your risk of developing gout, so it is important that you limit your alcohol consumption. Alcohol tends to impair your ability to sleep well and get adequate exercise - both important parts of maintaining joint health.
• Salt – Put down the shaker - adding excess salt to your food could contribute to painful joint inflammation. In addition to monitoring salt levels in your cooking, you should always read food packages carefully - some seemingly healthy foods can contain high amounts of sodium.

For more on eating healthy with arthritis:

Diet Changes to Improve Arthritis
Anti-inflammatory Diet for Joint Pain
Arthritis Diet: Foods That Can Help Fight Inflammation