What you eat is crucial for so many conditions, such as diabetes, it would be great if the right food could also help ease chronic pain. Unfortunately, the link between food and pain is not as clear.
However, inflammation is a key cause of pain in many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. And there is some evidence to suggest that certain foods might help ease inflammation. Medication is proven to help RA symptoms, but some people do feel that food affects how they feel and function.
Here are some foods that could be potentially harmful or helpful when it comes to pain; use trial and error to see if they work for you.
Best: Salmon
Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and these same compounds may also help reduce pain-promoting inflammation. That makes it a win-win for people with rheumatoid arthritis, who have greater risk of heart trouble than people without RA.
Studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may protect against developing rheumatoid arthritis and could mitigate the severity of the disease. “If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it would not hurt to consume these,” says Dr. Hyon Choi, professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. Tuna, mackerel and sardines are also excellent sources of omega-3.
Best: Olive oil
Olive oil works much the same way as omega-3s do—by potentially reducing painful joint inflammation, says Choi. It’s also a staple of the famed Mediterranean diet, which was shown in a 2003 study not only to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but also to enhance physical function and vitality. A compound called oleocanthal, which gives olive oil its taste, may have the same effect in the body as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Keep in mind, though, that olive oil has as many calories as other types of fat so don’t overdo it.
Read more: Amanda Gardner, Fox News
