CreakyJoints discusses healthy eating habits to help manage arthritis and chronic disease according to experts including Jason Machowsky, RD, CSSD, ACSM-CEP, CSCS, sports dietician and exercise physiologist at HSS.

Machowsky said that seasonings like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and chili pepper can with flavor and nutrition. “Many spices have components that may have anti-inflammatory properties,” he noted.

Eating fish may help with pain and swelling and help manage disease activity because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, “which have been shown to be potentially helpful in reducing inflammation,” Machowsky added.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice per week for cardiovascular health. Machowsky noted that options like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring are good choices since they are relatively high in omega-3s, but lower in mercury.

Upgrading kitchen tools may help increase comfort when preparing a meal. Machowsky recommended a mezzaluna as a chopping tool to consider, “It’s not as precise, but it gets the job done.” Additional tools that might be helpful include: an electric can opener, rubber grippers to open jars, and two-handled pots and pans. Get more tips here on creating an arthritis-friendly kitchen.  

Read the full article at Creakyjoints.org.