Short Answer: Garlic is good for arthritis. Because it has allicin and prebiotics, and they can reduce inflammation and protect cartilage in your joints.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places where your bones meet and allow movement.
In arthritis, your body produces inflammation in your joints, which causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
This can lead to various health problems, such as joint damage, disability, and reduced quality of life.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your immune system, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, berries, and nuts, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, sugar, and processed foods.
Now, garlic is a bulbous plant that belongs to the onion family.
People usually eat garlic raw, cooked, or as a supplement.
Garlic has a strong flavor and aroma, and is widely used as a spice and a medicine.
Garlic is good for arthritis because it contains allicin, a sulfur-containing compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Allicin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that trigger inflammation in your body.
Allicin can also prevent cartilage damage from arthritis by blocking the activity of certain enzymes that degrade the cartilage.
One clove of garlic can give you about 0.9 mg of allicin, which is about 4% of your daily needs.
Allicin can positively affect arthritis by reducing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in your joints.
Furthermore, garlic is a prebiotic food, and prebiotics are good for arthritis.
Because, prebiotics are fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can help modulate your immune system and reduce inflammation.
You can eat one to two cloves of garlic per day safely.
More than that can cause bad breath, stomach upset, and bleeding problems.
Also, you shouldn’t eat garlic if you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or a low blood pressure, to prevent worsening your condition.
Because, garlic can thin your blood, irritate your stomach lining, and lower your blood pressure.
You can buy fresh garlic in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose garlic bulbs that are firm, plump, and intact, and avoid those that are soft, shriveled, or moldy.
Because, fresh garlic has more allicin and flavor than old garlic.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to six months.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.