When you’re suffering from inflammation, making changes to your diet might not always help you fight it off on its own - but it certainly can make a difference if you combine these healthy tips with medication. In fact, it might even decrease the amount of medication that you need for health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

• 1. Blueberries

These delicious fruits are prom queens of nutrition, always cropping up when it comes to their various health benefits. Blueberries help to fight inflammation because they contain antioxidants such as ellagic acid and proanthocyanidins. They also keep your heart healthy. Definitely worth popping into your breakfast cereal or smoothies.

• 2. Walnuts

Although they do contain calories, walnuts have many nutrients to help you fight off inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids. A handful is enough to reap their benefits.

• 3. Olive Oil

The amazing thing about this liquid that you drizzle over your delicious salads is that it is thought to contain compounds that are similar to painkillers like ibuprofen, helping to ease pain.

• 4. Citrus Fruits

Since they’re rich in Vitamin C, fruits such as lemons and oranges help to repair blood vessels, ligaments and bone. Including citrus into your diet is therefore highly beneficial for ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

• 5. Broccoli 

This green powerhouse contains substances that beat inflammation and prevent cancer, such as kaemferol and sulforaphane. Added to this, they help fight off allergies and oxidative stress, too. When cooking with broccoli, remember not to heat it too much as this can draw out all its goodness.

• 6. Avocados

They’re not just delicious and packed with nutrients - avocados also contain phenolic compounds that help to keep your body protected against inflammation while looking after your blood vessels. Add avocados to a sandwich, salad, smoothie or make yummy guacamole.

*Image courtesy Flickr creative commons.