There are a billion people living in the world today and the need to be healthy is becoming the priority of some. As much as new breakthroughs in health and science, there are still a lot of people who suffer from diseases, that of earlier been detected, might have been prevented or have been cured. And if in all possibilities, the pain brought by the disease - both chronic and acute - might be lessened.

In medical sciences, a breakthrough for new medicines has already come out to help aid in the curing of the disease. But somehow, habitually taking medications is not enough especially when there are side effects and adverse effects brought about by the drugs. In order for the treatment to be successful, the person must be willing to go the extra mile and not just depend on the effectiveness of the drugs. Proper diet and the right exercise for your body are needed in collaboration of the intake of medications. Remember, through hard work comes great reward. It is better to be prepared than to be caught off guard in the end.

When Uric levels in the blood are higher than the normal value, it accumulates mostly in the joints and tissue areas. Thus, the formation of uric acid crystal occurs, causing pain in the joints, swelling and redness, limiting your movement and your ability to continue your day to day activities. This is called Gouty Arthritis.

On the other hand, Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The pain is no longer from the inflammation but from the wear and tear of the bone and since this is a degenerative disease. So, what are the foods (fruits and vegetables) that would help you fight against Arthritis? Here are some of the top foods that you should add in your diet.

1. Broccoli

   Did someone say Broccoli? Who would think that this green veggie help lessen the pain in osteoarthritis? For those who already have their hearts on this, this is good news and for those who don’t, well it's about time you should start loving them. A research study had shown that a certain compound found in broccoli has proved to block the enzymes that activate the disease. With a generous intake of broccoli, it increases the sulforaphane (compound) in the blood, which fights osteoarthritis. Broccoli is also rich in vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, high in fibre and Vitamin E that is good for the skin and heart.

2. Cherries

   Who would have thought that Cherries would help prevent arthritis? According to recent research studies based on the 2008 statistics of people having gout attacks, showed that people who eat at least 20 cherries in a day reduce their risk to half of having frequent gout attacks. Finding have also showed that because of an antioxidant properties (Anthocyanins) helps decrease the likelihood of gout attacks to 50% after 48 hours of eating two servings of Cherries. Any purple or red fruits and veggies such as grapes, berries, raspberries, beets and purple cabbages are rich in Anthocyanins, which is good for the prevention of Gouty Arthritis.

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

   Extra Virgin Olive oil is rich in omega-9 which is good for the heart. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which will clearly help you with arthritis pain attack and swelling.

4. Fish

   Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and is not only good for the heart but also for treating pain for arthritis. They help protect the cartilages by preventing the production of cytokine and enzyme (cause of swelling and pain). By eating Salmon's polyunsaturated fats, it will also boost your immune system and improve blood circulation in the body. Aside from Salmon, Anchovies, Mackerel, Sablefish, rainbow trout and striped sea bass are also good sources of Omega-3.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

   • Apples

     Boron is a mineral naturally found in apples which helps reduce the likelihood of experiencing osteoarthritis. For those who are already experiencing osteoarthritis, eating apples will help relieve you from the pain.

   • Cantaloupe

     Cantaloupe is rich in beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Beta-carotene and Vitamin C, together they assist the body in controlling the damage caused by the free-radicals.

   • Mango

     Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, E and antioxidants which will help decrease the inflammation and swelling in the joints.

   • Papaya

     Papaya contains beta-carotene and according to the RDA, it has 3 times more the amount of Vitamin C in other fruits.

   • Spinach

     Spinach has already a good reputation with heart ailments and cancer and who would have thought that this is also good for those having arthritis. It helps relieve the joint pain as well as the inflammation. Spinach is rich in Vitamin C, beta-carotene and Vitamin K.

6. Spices

   • Ginger

     Gingers have naturally anti-inflammatory properties. Through regular intake of ginger, this helps reduce the inflammation and pain in the joints.

   • Turmeric

     Rich in antioxidants that will help reduce the inflammation and the pain.

7. Water

   Always keep the body hydrated at all times. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water. This will also help flush out any toxins in the body and dilutes any presence of uric acids in the body. Water acts as a cushion around the joint, preventing any friction between the bones, which causes pain if absent. Drinking water detoxifies the body with unwanted toxins, so be sure to prepare a bottle of water handy at all times to prevent dehydration. For Gouty Arthritis, drinking of alcoholic beverages are either kept in moderation or none at all. Alcoholic beverages increases uric acid levels in the body, causing gout formation in the joints and tissues.

Choosing to live a healthy life is a commitment that we all should make. Remember that we are doing this for our own self and also for the people we love and who love us. Kick unhealthy habits and instead make it a habit to start taking care of yourself and keeping it healthy. Stick to that commitment and in the long run, we will be reaping the benefits of good health.

Sources
lifescript.com
naturemade.com
livestrong.com