This anti-inflammatory fruit may help relieve symptoms

Bananas can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet forarthritis.

Bananas are high in magnesium and potassiumtwo minerals that can help bone densityand magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Bananas contain many nutrients and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

woman holding bananas

Tim Platt/Getty Images

Tim Platt/Getty Images

Nutritional Benefits of Bananas

Banana is a fruit with many health benefits.

Getting the nutrients from the actual food may be more beneficial than the supplement.

Bananas also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Jamie Johnson, RDN

Banana: Nutrition Facts (USDA)

How Can Bananas Help Arthritis?

Nutrition plays an important part in your overall health, but bananas alone cant cure arthritis.

They can, however, be part of an overall anti-inflammatory diet.

Eating bananas may help alleviate arthritis symptoms for some people, though it’s not a guarantee.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis(OA) happens when the joints break down over time.

This punch in of arthritis is common in the elderly population.

The joints that are affected the most are the knees, hips, hands, and lower back.

OA can cause severe pain for some patients and disability for others.

Bananas have magnesium, and research has found thatmagnesium may help OAby reducing inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease.

When patients have RA, healthy cells are attacked by the immune system by mistake.

This causes inflammation in the body.

RA affects the joints in the wrist, hands, and knees.

Fruits and vegetables are highly suggested.

Recommended fruits include mangoes, blueberries, peaches, apples, and bananas.

It typically starts in the big toe and moves to the knees, fingers, and wrists.

Severe gout symptoms are often due to too much uric acid in the blood.

It is advised that eating foods that are low in purine can help reduce uric acid levels.

Should Anyone Avoid Bananas?

Bananas are a healthy choice for most people, but a few exceptions exist.

People who have impaired kidney function or kidney disease may also need to limit potassium-rich foods, including bananas.

Talk with your healthcare provider about consuming bananas if you take these medications or have a kidney condition.

What Other Foods Are Good For Arthritis?

These components may help bone density and alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Eating foods that are part of an anti-inflammatory diet may also help reduce arthritis symptoms.

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