Arthritis is the inflammation or swelling of one or more joints and is thought to be caused by the immune system attacking the tissues in the joints. Those with arthritis typically suffer from pain in the joints, stiffness, joint swelling, redness around joints, and a decreased range of motion. In order to fight back against inflammation caused by arthritis, it is important to eat healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients. Here are some delicious smoothie recipes that can help with joint pain and arthritis:

1. Parsley and grapefruit
Parsley is extremely rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which help to reduce inflammation. The grapefruit in this smoothie contains lots of helpful vitamin C which is also great for reducing inflammation associated with arthritis. All you need to make this delicious, tart, smoothie is ½ cup of fresh parsley, a handful of spinach, ½ cucumber, ½ peeled grapefruit, ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger, 4 ounces of water, and a medium banana. This smoothie not only tastes great but is hydrating, refreshing, and full of helpful nutrients.

2. Pineapple and turmeric
For centuries people have used turmeric thanks to its natural healing qualities. It is a great aid against joint pain as it blocks COX-2, an enzyme that causes arthritic pain. Much like grapefruit, pineapple is full of vitamin C, but it also features an enzyme known as bromelain that helps control aches and pains. To make this healthy smoothie, mix together a quarter of a peeled and chopped pineapple, 7 ounces of water, a peeled orange, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon of lemon zest, ½ of a chopped mango, ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger, a large carrot, and a pinch of salt.

3. Celery and ginger
If you are looking for something more hydrating than this celery and ginger smoothie is probably the one for you. While celery tends to be flavorless it has a high water content and helps those with arthritis battle inflammation. It also can flush out any excess urate crystals that may be causing joint pain. Ginger, on the other hand, can naturally lower high blood sugar levels and stop inflammation. To make this hydrating smoothie all you have to do is add a cubed apple, stalks of celery, ½ of a chopped pineapple, ½ tsp of fresh ginger, a zest of lime, a handful of spinach, 1 tsp of turmeric powder, and 1 tsp of coconut oil.

4. Kiwi and kale
Kale is known for being chock full of magnesium which regulates calcium absorption by the body and helps with pain caused by inflammation in the joints. Another delicious inflammation fighter is kiwi. Not only is kiwi great for arthritis sufferers, it has a delicious sweet taste which pairs really well with the flavor of kale. This smoothie requires you to mix 2 peeled and sliced kiwis, 100g of chopped kale, a peeled and chopped mango, 7 ounces of water, and a peeled orange.

5. Berries and coconut
This smoothie is a great meal replacement as it is full of antioxidants from the dark berries as well as healthy probiotics for your gut in the yogurt. Mixed with the great taste of coconut, this smoothie is everything you need to reduce your inflammation and stay healthy and full. To make this simple smoothie you should mix a cup of unsweetened coconut milk, a cup of frozen mixed berries, as well as 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt.

While it may be useful to drink these smoothies and eat a healthy, varied diet nothing can substitute for a doctor’s recommendations. A doctor may recommend that you take medications such as Theragun, Tremfya, Skyrizi, Advil, Voltaren, Excedrin, Xeljanz, Jax Inhibitors, Rinvoq, Simponi Aria, or other medications as they might help with any joint pain and discomfort you have due to arthritis. Regardless, it is still important to eat healthy, drink often, and exercise when you can to maintain your health.