healthy juices and smoothie to curb arthritis

Ginger is another food that has been studied for possible therapeutic benefit to arthritis sufferers. One study found that “amongst the arthritis patients more than three quarters experienced, to varying degrees, relief in pain and swelling. All the patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief in pain. None of the patients reported adverse effects during the period of ginger consumption, which ranged from 3 months to 2.5 years.” 5

Purified ginger extract supplements also show a “statistically significant effect on reducing symptoms of OA [osteoarthritis] of the knee”. 6

An increased vitamin C intake has been associated with a lower risk of gout. 7 Green Smoothies are extremely rich sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C-rich foods include guava, citrus, pineapple, kiwi, and strawberries.

Studies have also found that while purine-rich meats and seafood increase risk of gout, fruits and vegetables that contain small to moderate amounts of purines, such as spinach, does not increase gout risk. 8

Gout sufferers are encouraged to moderate intake of purine-rich foods, and while spinach is low in purines, you probably shouldn’t use excessive amounts every day in a green smoothie if you are prone to flare ups due to sensitivity to dietary purines. Be sure to use lettuce and other greens as well.

Green Smoothie Foods For Arthritis and Joint Pain
When making smoothies for arthritis and joint pain, focus on fruits and vegetables that are rich in carotenoids and quercetin such as pumpkin, papaya, persimmons, tangerines, red peppers, oranges, apricots, mangoes, carrots and dark, leafy greens like kale and dandelion greens, black and green tea, apples, red grapes, citrus, berries, broccoli, tomatoes and nopal (cactus). Grate some fresh ginger into your smoothie, as well as some bromelain-rich pineapple for their potential therapeutic benefits

Pineapple-Grapefruit Smoothie
4 to 6 ounces of filtered water
1 fresh or frozen banana, peeled and sliced
1/2 red grapefruit, peeled
1/2 cup pineapple, cubed
1/2 cucumber, with peel
1/2 cup fresh parsley (or use 2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach)