The Greek physician Hippocrates declared, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” In 400 BC the Greeks under the teachings of the famous doctor practiced treatment and prevention of diseases by diet management and eating nutritionally balanced foods. Arthritis is a painful condition that has a serious impact on your life, work and relationships. It’s important to explore some of the top foods to manage arthritis pain since this is a chronic condition.

The role of food in health
The food we eat has a direct bearing on the body. It can also influence mood. Certain foods help to reduce inflammation and pain, regulate and balance blood sugar levels, manage cholesterol and blood pressure, promote cardiovascular health, and eliminate toxic waste. Some of them even influence the way certain genes are expressed.

Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine also use food as the basis of healing. These systems use several herbs to fight arthritis pain, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity in patients.

Herbs to fight arthritis pain

• Turmeric
  Turmeric is used both as a herb and spice. The plant and root contain two phytochemicals curcumin and curcuminoid that play a major role in decreasing inflammation. While adding turmeric to your food, it’s wise to add some black pepper or dry ginger root. These help to activate the plant chemicals in turmeric.
• Borage oil
  The starflower (Borago officinalis) has seeds that contain GLA (gamma linolenic acid) that boost immunity and help to relieve inflammation and pain. Borage seed oil can be taken in capsule form after consulting your doctor.
• Nettles
  They are packed with nutrients such as protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, beta-carotene, and also vitamins such as A, C, B, and D. Nettle has anti-inflammatory properties that help to manage swelling and joint. Nettle tea is a good diuretic and nourishes the adrenal glands and promotes kidney function. Traditional medicine recommends applying nettle leaves to the inflamed or painful joint. The sting and prickliness of the leaf help to draw blood to the joints, relieving pain and improving circulation.
• Cat’s claw
  Uncaria tomentosa commonly known as cat’s claw is a vine that grows in South and Central America. It may help to fight inflammation and reduce pain. However, pregnant women should avoid taking this herb.
• Licorice
  Licorice is known to reduce free radicals that cause damage to the tissues. It has a component known as glycyrrhizin that is known to block pain and reduce inflammation. It increases the production of natural cortisol in the body while suppressing some of the harmful side-effects of this hormone.
• Burdock root
  Burdock root contains high levels of fatty acids, tannins, and sterols that are highly effective in blocking inflammation and pain. This herb can be added to almost every kind of cuisine.
• Thyme
  Thyme has excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Fresh and dried thyme leaves can be added to food as a flavoring agent. Thyme is also used in aromatherapy to reduce pain.
• Green tea
  Green tea contains polyphenols that protect the joints, reduce inflammation, and start immune responses that can reduce the progression of arthritis.