Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a chronic disease that gradually breaks down joint cartilage and causes weakness in bones. Symptoms of osteoarthritis involve joint pain, inflammation, loss of mobility, and stiffness. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, treatments such as medications, surgery, or physical therapy can help reduce pain. Doctors often recommend certain dietary changes to help ease osteoarthritis as well.

It’s true some foods may do more harm than good. While others like the ones on the list below may ease inflammation, boost the immune system, and even strengthen your bones:

1. Pre-washed salads
Pre-washed salads come pre cut and are easy to work with. Now add a few tasty treats like nuts, fruits, or tomatoes and you got yourself a healthy anti-inflammatory snack. Leafy green vegetables are good for fighting inflammation which can help with joint pain in Arthritis sufferers. Also, less cutting means less strain on your hands. One of the most common areas where Osteoarthritis thrives.

2. Popcorn
Yes, popcorn. This beloved classic treat is not only good for the movies, it’s good for your health too. Serving as a great source of antioxidants it is also said it can play a part in the prevention of Arthritis along with a few other illnesses. However, popcorn loses its healthy benefits whenever it’s cooked in oil or drenched in butter. But alone this unprocessed whole grain snack is great in the fight against Arthritis.

3. Nut mixes
Almonds, walnuts, peanuts all carry anti-inflammatory capabilities. Nuts can offer you protein, vitamins, Omega3, and much more. They can lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease too. The great thing about nuts is that you can also add them to almost anything as an added healthy choice. Most Mediterranean dishes include nuts in their recipes, salads, and even ice cream can be topped with nuts. It’s not easy to always eat healthy so being able to add nuts to such a wide array of meals can prove rather useful.

4. Prepackaged tuna, salmon, or sardines
Fish is high in Omega3 and Vitamin D. It also contains antioxidants, together these three nutrients serve as defense against inflammation and joint pain. Try and stick to products that are low in mercury like a light tuna for instance or mackerel. Mercury can cause severe damage to the brain and nervous system if taken in large enough amounts and most fish high in Omega3 contain it.

5. Salsa and dips
One of our all-time favorites, salsa dip and chips is another one of those healthy inflammation fighting foods. OK, chips not so much so try not to overindulge on too many Tostitos scoops while taking in all the healthy benefits of some delicious salsa. Salsa is made from a mix of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers just to name a few. And provide our bodies with antioxidants and Vitamin C as well as fiber. All great in fighting to reduce joint pain.