Arthritis is the swelling and inflammation of the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, redness, and decreased range of motion. As arthritis impacts many people worldwide, there are many medications and treatment drugs to help with inflammation and pain, such as Xeljanz, Tremfya, Actemra, Rinvoq, Skyrizi, Simponi Aria, Apremilast, and over the counter pain relievers like Voltaren and Advil. In addition to taking prescribed medications, consuming a healthy, balanced diet of anti-inflammatory foods can help manage symptoms. Try these 6 anti-inflammatory foods:

1. Tomatoes

Lycopene, a potent antioxidant, is found in tomatoes. Lycopene is an anti-inflammatory agent that prevents the production of cytokines, which have inflammatory properties. What’s more, tomatoes can improve defenses in the body that prevent inflammatory diseases—stock up on baby tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and more!

2. Olive oil

Olive oil contains an anti-inflammatory antioxidant known as oleocanthal that works like the drug ibuprofen. Using olive oil as opposed to butter to cook your food has an added benefit in that butter is inflammatory, so you get to avoid this food while consuming an anti-inflammatory one.

3. Leafy green vegetables

Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, collards, and arugula are full of vitamins and nutrients that prevent inflammation. These include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and omega-3 fat. Chop these up to add to a salad and toss in olive oil—the consumption of olive oil helps these vitamins be absorbed better.

4. Nuts

The nutrients in nuts help to manage inflammation levels, including alpha linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acid, magnesium, vitamin E, and l-arginine. Make a trail mix with walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pecans, and pistachios.

5. Fatty fish

Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are just some examples of fatty fish that have anti-inflammatory properties. Fatty fish like these are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which block immune cells from releasing cytokines, which have inflammatory properties. Consuming this kind of fish prevents inflammation before it even happens.

6. Fruits and berries

Many fruits and berries contain powerful antioxidants, so try adding strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges into your diet. This will help you avoid inflammation with their antioxidants, compounds, and nutrients like polyphenols, fiber, vitamin C, ellagic acid, and more.