Arthritis is a common health problem in the global population, affecting more than 350 million people and a leading cause of disability.
According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), By 2040, an estimated 78 million (26 per cent) US adults aged 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
Yes, arthritis symptoms tend to worsen over time – marked by inflammatory flares and a chronic clinical course. In osteoarthritis (OA) the wear and tear of cartilage cause bones to rub together, leading to friction, damage, and inflammation. And in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)- which is an autoimmune disease – the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.
But let us not dwell on the scary and depressing part of the news as the good news is that there are ways to reduce its symptoms, which include pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints. Doctors can prescribe medication to relieve the pain of arthritis, but they often recommend natural approaches, too.
Watching what you eat and drinking certain beverages helps ease pain, reports EatThisNotThat (ETNT). The report cites the ETNT Registered Dietitian Julie Upton, MS, RD, who is a part of their medical expert board – who also recommends that one of the best drinks you can have to soothe arthritis symptoms is a smoothie with wild blueberries and leafy greens.
Upton calls it the green and berry smoothie that helps soothe the inflammation that causes arthritis symptoms.
That is what causes pain and stiffness of the joints when you have arthritis,” Upton reportedly tells ETNT.
Frozen wild blueberries have more antioxidants and less sugar than most other berries and likely play a key role in reducing inflammation and targeting arthritis symptoms due to the fruit’s high concentration of anti-inflammatory flavonoid polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, reports EatThisNotThat.
As for the leafy greens for this smoothie, Upton prefers baby spinach – another food that helps ease arthritis symptoms. High in fibre, and low in calories, spinach is also good for the heart and blood vessels.
How to make this smoothie for arthritis:
Eat This Not That Registered Dietitian Julie Upton has shared the recipe for the delicious and nutritious smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup packed baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen wild blueberries
- 1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yoghurt
- ice cups and cold water
- Stevia, if needed.
Procedure:
Add these ingredients to your blender and process to the thickness you desire. Have this green and berry smoothie while it is fresh and nutritious.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
