An estimated 1.3 million Americans suffer with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a progressive autoimmune disease that prompts the immune system to mistakenly attack the joints as it mistakes them for foreign invaders, like bacteria and viruses. The resulting symptoms of RA can be extremely painful and debilitating—including pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility, particularly in the feet, ankles, wrists, and fingers. Fortunately, in addition to treatments prescribed by a medical professional, patients with RA often find a reduction in symptoms when they add certain foods to their diets. The following superfoods are reputed for their anti-inflammatory and rich antioxidant impacts, and may help relieve RA symptoms:

1. Blueberries, blackberries, etc.

Blackberries and other black (or dark colored) berries have much in common other than being a great addition to a morning smoothie or fruit salad. Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are actually little inflammation fighters, meaning they contain specific plant compounds, like rutin and quercetin, the carotenoid known as beta-cryptoxanthin
and antioxidants, namely anthocyanins, which all work to reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, so says research from the National Arthritis Foundation.

2. Fatty fish

If you crave fish on your fork, look to fatty cuts like trout, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Not only are these filets rich in heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which lessen inflammation. A 2009 research study, published by the National Institutes indicates that eating salmon just twice a week was shown to greatly reduce joint pain in RA patients.

3. Walnuts

Like fatty fish, nuts, particularly walnuts, are loaded with inflammation fighting omega-3 fatty acids. However, these crunchy snacks or salad toppers are also rich in vitamin E, another powerful inflammation fighter. So together, walnuts should be in your diet if you suffer from RA.

4. Turmeric

This tangy yellow spice is also known for reducing joint pain and swelling when it comes to several chronic pain disorders. The reason for this is that turmeric is loaded with curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, which the Arthritis Foundation actually recommends for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Turmeric can be added to sauces, soups, curries, and sprinkled on meats.