Proper nutrition is the key to prevention of many different diseases. An arthritis diet is based on this sound philosophy. Balanced meals consisting of healthy, whole foods combined with nutritional supplements will significantly reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

There are many different foods that can directly affect arthritis. Some can offer relief and others should be avoided. Let's start by taking a look at some of the foods you should avoid in your arthritis diet.

Foods containing saturated fats and refined sugars should always be avoided. They cause a more acidic environment in the body, which leads to inflammation of the joints and increased pain. Fatty meats, eggs, margarine, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol should also be drastically reduced. These foods can worsen the symptoms of arthritis by promoting inflammation and adding stress to the system.

Now, let's take a look at some of the beneficial foods for arthritis sufferers. These foods should be added to the diet whenever possible to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Adding this spice in your diet can prove extremely helpful in battling inflammation. Barley and wheat grass products are also anti-inflammatory and provide the added benefit of detoxification. Citrus fruits, which contain large amounts of vitamin C, are recommended. Vitamin C is responsible for the good health of collagen in our bodies.

Extra virgin olive oil is another very important food for any arthritis diet. It contains good monosaturated fats. This fat protects the body against inflammation due to its antioxidant and polyphenol content.

But perhaps the most important food for an arthritis diet is fresh water fish. Most people do not get nearly enough of this vital food in their diet. Fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and rainbow trout all contain omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that suppress the enzymes responsible for cartilage erosion. More than a dozen scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids for arthritis sufferers.

Fish oil is one of the best ways to obtain omega-3 fatty acids. A fish oil supplement will dramatically reduce pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness. Our bodies cannot create omega-3 fatty acids naturally so we must turn to outside sources. If increasing your intake of fresh water fish is not an appealing prospect, consider a high quality fish oil supplement instead.

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids offer many other benefits. They nourish the cardiovascular system, reduce high blood pressure, and protect against heart disease and stroke. By supplementing your diet with fish oil, you can improve the symptoms of arthritis and gain many other health benefits at once.