Beans such as chickpeas, black beans, red kidney beans, and lentils are high in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation. They are an inexpensive and excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians or vegans, and they're a low-glycemic carbohydrate. Aim to eat at least one cup of beans twice a week.
Whole grains, beans and lentils for fiber and nutrients.
Although many anti-inflammatory diets claim that whole grains and pulses — beans, peas and lentils — increase inflammation, research shows otherwise. Pulses are high in fiber and magnesium, and magnesium has been shown to help reduce inflammation.
Recent research has shown that legumes have bioactive compounds like peptides, polyphenols and saponins, which exhibit antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and other biological activities.
Rich in protein and fiber, chickpeas are also low-glycemic carbohydrates and full of inflammation-fighting nutrients.
Low-calorie, nutrient-dense cannellini beans and other legumes are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties and have even been found to help people with diabetes (about half of whom also have arthritis).
Baked beans offer beneficial plant compounds, including polyphenols, as well. These may protect your cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals and inhibit inflammation. Both free radical damage and inflammation have been linked to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases ( 6 , 7 ).
Choose whole wheat pasta, bean or lentil pasta, rice noodles, bean thread noodles, and whole wheat/buckwheat noodles like Japanese Udon and Soba. Here's a healthy tip - Pasta cooked al dente has a lower GI than fully cooked pasta!
Background: Oat and its compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Consuming eggs regularly can lead to an increased amount of swelling and joint pain. The yolks contain arachidonic acid, which helps trigger inflammation in the body. Eggs also contain saturated fat which can also induce joint pain.
The most anti-inflammatory proteins come from plants, such as legumes, and from fish rich in omega-3 fats, says Dr. Ricker. Fish, particularly fatty fish that's low in mercury, (halibut, herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines). In excess, mercury can damage the nervous system of adults and fetuses.
Beans are an excellent plant-based source of protein and a great addition to any arthritis diet. Red kidney beans and pinto beans are excellent sources of fiber and phytonutrients, which may help reduce inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as cod, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements.
Avocados are a great source of healthy monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, which can dampen your body's inflammatory response.
Whole grains:Oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and other unrefined grains tend to be high in fiber, and fiber also may help with inflammation.
“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says. Nutrition researchers believe yogurt's anti-inflammatory power comes from the probiotics it contains, but that has yet to be confirmed with rigorous trials, he says.
Nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, contain solanine. This substance may increase the leakiness of the intestines and affect the gastrointestinal microbiota, indirectly increasing the inflammation relating to arthritis.
Preferred Protein Sources
Legumes/beans: lentils, chickpeas, adzuki beans, etc. Plant-based products: tempeh, tofu, peas, protein-based meat substitutes. Avoid products containing wheat gluten, as known as Seitan. Fresh fish: wild fish is preferred; limit to three servings per week.
In particular, goat cheese contains A2 casein, which may be less inflammatory and less likely to cause digestive discomfort than the A1 casein found in cow's milk ( 39 , 40 ). Crumbled goat cheese can be added to salads, pizzas, and eggs.
Guidelines for an Anti-inflammatory Diet
Choose mostly whole grains as opposed to foods made from refined flours. Whole grains include millet; basmati, brown or wild rice; quinoa; amaranth; flax; wheat berries; barley; steel cut oats and buckwheat.
To reduce inflammation fast, limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. Perhaps, more importantly, though, pursue exercise, stress-reducing behaviors, a good night's sleep, and a diet full of colorful, anti-inflammatory foods.
Bananas are versatile fruits with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can help counteract inflammation and support the body's immune system. People may benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods.
Beans & Legumes
Note: some people claim that beans and legumes can cause inflammation because they contain lectins which are hard to break down. However soaking, sprouting and cooking beans and legumes can neutralize the lectins and make consuming these foods perfectly safe.