6. Advanced glycation end product (AGE) – This is a toxin that results from high-heat cooking, for instance, when foods are grilled, pasteurized, or fried. AGE damages proteins in the body. To fight AGEs, the body releases cytokines. These cytokines are inflammation messengers. Depending on where the AGEs end up, that joint could become inflamed, painful and stiff.
7. Sugars and refined carbohydrates – For reasons not yet understood, when blood sugar levels rise, so do AGEs, which, as we know, may result in inflammation. So if you really want to be good, you’d cut out baked goods, sodas, processed foods, white flour products and candies.  

Now that you know what not to eat, here are some suggestions for “good” foods for arthritis sufferers.

Healthy Foods for the Arthritis Sufferer

If you have to snack, make those snacks count for something healthy. Nuts like almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts and walnuts are all high in omega-3 fatty acids. Replace processed snacks with fruit or vegetables. These two foods contain antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals, which attack cells and cause cellular damage. Chocolate? Yes -- dark chocolate in the form of at least 70 percent cocoa has antioxidant qualities. Green tea has a great effect of lowering one’s risk of heart disease and cancers. It acts like “liquid vegetables” and has anti-inflammatory effects, whether drunk hot or cold. Add some lemon juice, and you pump up the antioxidant level in this tea.

If you cook, use olive oil, which is rich in omega-9 fatty acids, a substance that reduces inflammation. Grapeseed oil and avocado oil are also great for cooking. Extra virgin olive oil is good for the heart and brain, too, so make the switch. Who can resist the smell of cooking garlic? It has been found that garlic is an anti-inflammatory for swollen joints, according to the Arthritis Research and Therapy Journal. So saute’ on. Herbs rich in antioxidants are thyme, oregano and basil. A recent study showed that mint, cumin and chili pepper have compounds that fight painful inflammation as well.

And last but not least, fish. Fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help the heart and brain. If you are craving red meat, go for the grass-fed beef. It has been found to be higher in healthy omega acids. So with all these tasty, healthful tips, bon appetit.