Ten Super Foods that Help Arthritis & Strengthen the Immune System

Our bodies are designed to heal themselves, if given the right fuel. The medical field has finally agreed on this. That means being more selective when you are at the grocery store and choosing foods that will benefit your system. Your body can only work with what you give it, it's not getting any nutrients shipped in from anywhere, other than what you give it.

Another concept that you have to wrap your mind around is that all foods are not created equal when it comes to vitamins and nutrient value in the foods. An order of chicken Mc Nuggets will not have the same benefits as a grilled chicken breast, or sliced turkey, and you cannot eat the nuggets expecting your cells to get the proper nutrients that they need to thrive.

One method of assisting your health is to take supplements, vitamins and minerals in pill or liquid form that subsidize what you're getting in your diet. By taking vitamin C, vitamin E, and fish oil you have a great start at pumping up your immune system. Vitamin D is also a boost and is easily attainable by spending 20 minutes in the sun. It is a sure bet that taking a 'one a day' type vitamin is not going to be as beneficial to you as taking the separate supplements and that is simply because you can adjust your own dosage with the separate ones. With an ailing immune system, and aching joints, you will need mega doses of the above vitamins.

Taking supplements and eating good healthy foods is the best route to take. If you are putting in the foods packed with vitamins, and reducing the unhealthy, fat-filled, deep fried, sugar foods, then you are empowering your body to work at its optimum, and healthy cells is the result.

Here are the super foods that AARP suggests for your meals:

• Salmon - filled with good fish oils - Omega 3's

• Shrimp and crab - the shell of the shellfish is filled with glucosamine. This is a natural ingredient to the joints, the cartridge and tendons. If you are allergic to shellfish, consider taking glucosamine/chondriton as a supplement. Studies show that it works.

• Almonds or almond butter - almonds contain Omega 3's, vitamin E, and manganese which help with the assimilation of the glucosamine.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - is the oil to use for everything except sautéing, where you can use olive oil or canola oil. EVOO has antioxidant properties and therefore fights free- radicals.

• Avocado - filled with anti-oxidants and is known as the most nutrient filled vegetable. Prevents cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

• Ginger - add 1 teaspoon to a cup of tea and you will substantially combat inflammation, which is found as the cause of all joint pain and sickness in the body.

• Turmeric - the Indian spice that is orange in color, has been known for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties. Helps to prevent cancer and arthritis.

Now that you have a list of power foods to eat, you need to be equally aware of the foods that are a detriment to joint health. They are saturated fat, trans fat, and dairy products because the protein in dairy seems to have an adverse affect on the joints, caffeine, and red meat. Try having chicken, turkey or fish as a red meat substitute and limit desserts to just one day a week. You can check these foods at www.whfoods.com for their compatibility.

Getting healthy and staying healthy is not the mystery that most people think it is. You wouldn't pour Coca-cola in the gas tank of your car and expect it to run properly, you would use a good grade of gasoline. Likewise for your body, stick to a good grade of food, and watch your body reward you with reduced pain and pounds, and more energy to get through the day. Arthritis is a disease that comes from poor lubrication with a sick immune system. Energize yourself by eating the right foods and taking supplements. The earlier you attack a sagging immune system, the sooner you can strengthen it and you benefit every part of your body.