Can anti-inflammatory diets help joint pain? 10 foods to eat and 6 to avoid.

What’s inflammation, and how does it affect my joints?

Inflammation is a natural process that contributes to your body’s healing and cell regeneration. However, too much inflammation over a long period, or chronic inflammation, can have a damaging effect on the body. Over time, inflammation can cause joints to become uncomfortable and painful. Eventually, it may cause your joints to break down at a younger-than-normal age.

“The goal of an anti-inflammatory diet is to reduce the negative effects of chronic inflammation throughout your body, including your joints,” explains orthopedic surgeon Christopher Deans, MD. “Avoiding foods that contribute to inflammation while eating more foods that fight inflammation may help relieve chronic joint pain. Following an anti-inflammatory diet over the long term may also delay the need for joint replacement surgery.”

6 foods to avoid if you have joint pain

Unfortunately, many foods considered part of the traditional western diet can cause inflammation. When following an anti-inflammatory diet, you should avoid eating:

1. Foods high in saturated fats (including red meat, cheese and foods made with saturated fats and oils)
2. Full-fat dairy (such as cheese and whole milk)
3. Refined grains (foods made with white flour, like cakes, cookies, bread and pasta)
4. Processed sugars (foods made with cane sugar or corn syrup, including candy, cookies, cakes, soda and fruit juice)
5. Processed foods (fast food and packaged convenience…