Over the weekend a question came in regarding fish oil and arthritis, and the person who wrote in wanted to know what foods to eat and what supplements would help with her arthritis problems.

Stay away from fast foods and processed foods. Try to stick to vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fresh fruits, and some dairy. You want foods as close to their natural state as possible.

When you go to the grocery store you should only shop in 3 areas, at most: The area for meat/poultry/seafood, and the vegetable and fruit areas. All the rest of the packaged products can just just sit on the shelf, undisturbed by you.

Now that can be unrealistic, although still a good goal. Some processed food will make it’s way into your plate at some point. Maybe even quite a bit.

Just keep this in mind. Processed foods have been stripped of essential nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, fatty acids, and other elements that provide real nourishment for your body.

Inflammation can result from not getting these items in the needed amounts, especially fatty acids.

Long chain omega-3 fatty acids combat the pain and joint stiffness of inflammation and restore the lipid balance the body needs by blocking the omega-6 fatty acids, which actually promote inflammation.

Spoilage is bad news for manufacturers of most food products, so they do whatever it takes to stop it. Including removing the elements your body truly needs.

It isn’t always easy to eat the right kind of food. But these guidelines should provide some help.