6 Best Foods for Healing Arthritis and Joint Pain

Experts say people suffering from arthritis joint pain may find some relief simply by eating specific foods.

Fried and processed foods, dairy, and gluten may inflame joints, but here are six foods that can help ease symptoms of arthritis.

1. Fish. The Arthritis Foundation recommends at least two servings a week of fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, which are filled with omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to reduce inflammation.

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2. Soy. Foods rich in soy can also be beneficial for arthritis sufferers since soy also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Try fiber-rich edamame — low-fat and high-protein — for a boost, The Arthritis Foundation recommends.

3. Broccoli and other cruciferous veggies. An 11-year Mayo Clinic study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found nutrients available in broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, boy choy, and Brussel sprouts seemed to help prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

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4. Foods rich in Vitamin D. Vitamin D may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, but the best way to get it is just to enjoy some sunshine. Besides eating fish containing vitamin D, the other foods containing it are mostly dairy products, which are often found on the list of foods arthritis patients should not to eat because they can cause inflammation.

5. Olive oil. "A natural chemical in olive oil stops the production of the chemicals that cause inflammation," according to WebMD. "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen lower inflammation by curbing the production of these same chemicals." The medical site advises using extra-virgin olive oil.

6. Whole grains. Brown rice helps lower levels of C-reactive protein, which signal inflammation in the body, WebMD said. Whole-wheat pastas and breads contain selenium, an antioxidant that is crucial for rheumatoid arthritis suffers. Doctors say those who have RA often have too little selenium in their blood.

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