We’ve all heard someone say at one time or another “cool your jets” but what I’ve heard quite often lately is “cool your joints”. Yes, all the joints in your body that ache can be alleviated simply by healthy eating. Some folks have food triggers that lead to stomach aches, backache, headaches and even sore, inflamed joints. If you’re one of those with joint pain, consider the foods you eat. Many folks don’t want to hear the words “eat your fruits and veggies”, but they are the foods that will help the most. You don’t have to become a vegetarian but you should eat between eight and thirteen servings per day. It’s not as hard as it sounds. We’ve learned to over-estimate serving sizes, we’ve become gluttons and we eat more food than our bodies need; except when it comes to fruits and vegetables.

So, the foods that will benefit us in more ways than alleviating joint pain, such as keeping us safe from cancers and diabetes are whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, cherries, cranberries, pears and prunes (dried as well as fresh), a variety of fresh lightly cooked/steamed vegetables-green, yellow and orange veggies: artichokes, broccoli, chard, collards, lettuce, spinach, green beans, squashes and sweet potatoes, condiments in moderation such as salt, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract are helpful, and…yes, water. Water keeps the joints lubricated.

If you have chronic pain whether mild or strong, consider adding food to your diet, just make sure the food is in the form of fruits and veggies and eat all you want!