Arthritis is a chronic health condition that affects millions worldwide. The NHS describes arthritis as a common ailment causing pain and inflammation in the joints. Main treatments include lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, and medication but there is no known cure and surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
However, there are other ways to alleviate symptoms including dietary changes. TikTok nutritionist @drelmohandess suggests adding something to your diet to help with arthritis-related pain and swelling. “One of the best natural remedies for arthritic pain and swelling is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as it has a compound called oleocanthal that has been scientifically proven to block the same inflammatory pathway as certain medicines like ibuprofen without any of the side effects,” he said.
He recommends adding a “couple of tablespoons to your meal every day,” which could be a simple solution to help manage symptoms. According to arthritis.org, extra virgin olive oil “has also been studied for its protective benefits in inflammatory autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.” The website elaborated on the benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), stating: “Human, animal, and lab experiments have shown that the polyphenols in EVOO effectively combat inflammation and improve arthritis symptoms in joints and throughout the body,” reports SurreyLive.
It also highlighted that “some experts believe EVOO is the primary reason the Mediterranean diet helps prevent a host of chronic diseases, although the exact amount required for effectiveness has not been determined.” Additionally, the site corrected misconceptions about the shelf life of extra virgin olive oil, cautioning that it can spoil if not stored properly. It should not be kept in the fridge but does “start to go rancid when exposed to light and air”.
The recommendation for consumers is to purchase “small amounts you can use within a month or two of opening”. This everyday food could be a game-changer for arthritis sufferers looking for natural ways to manage their symptoms effectively.