Arthritis pain is often due to inflammation in the joints and other areas of the body. Some foods may be able to help.

Arthritis pain is often due to inflammation in the joints and other areas of the body. That's why non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids that reduce inflammation are both first-line arthritis medications. However, there's some evidence you can help reduce inflammation levels in your body through other means too. Watching what you eat can't replace the arthritis care plan you and your doctor have arrived at together, but your diet can enhance it. Healthy food choices could not only reduce inflammation, they can also help you lose weight - taking pressure off of your joints and decreasing pain and damage. Let's take a look at some of the food choices you can make to help your arthritis pain and other symptoms:

Drink green tea

Green tea has lots of healthy antioxidants and agents that reduce inflammation, according to the website One Green Planet. It also has just enough caffeine to get you going when you're dealing with fatigue without making you feel jittery or sick. A cup or two of green tea is great for you, and it tastes good as well. And there are so many options you could try a new variety every day and not run out for a very long time. Apart from its own beneficial properties, green tea is also a smart alternative to soda, energy drinks or calorie-laden coffee concoctions - which may make it a good tool in your weight-loss arsenal.

Consider the DASH diet

The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, may have more applications in the medical realm than helping you lower your blood pressure. It may also decrease your cancer risks and the risk of several other serious diseases or conditions - and nutritionists say it may help alleviate arthritis symptoms too, according to Everyday Health.

The foods in the DASH diet, "along with fewer processed foods in the diet have been shown to decrease inflammation and … in turn, relieve joint pain," Liz Weinandy, a registered dietitian with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Everyday Health. "By adding more omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, we can naturally decrease inflammation in the body."

The DASH diet focuses on lean meats, fish, poultry, nuts, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy options. If you follow it, you'll find yourself limiting sweets, salt, sodas and red meat. If this seems like a reasonable, commonsense approach to eating healthy, that's because it is. Paying particular attention to your omega-3 intake on top of eating well is a good idea, as is eating a lot of whole grains (which can also lower inflammation). The DASH diet can also help some people lose weight, which is great if you have this as a goal for your arthritis management.

Before you significantly change your diet, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. He or she will be aware of your specific needs and can also help put you in touch with a nutritionist or dietitian to figure out the best plan for you and the ideal way to stick to it.

For more on diet and arthritis:

Anti-inflammatory Diet for Joint Pain
Tip of the Week #2: Maintain a Healthy Diet
Arthritis Diet: Foods That Can Help Fight Inflammation