Winter worsening your arthritis pain? Doctor says one simple kitchen swap could ease inflammation and help you move freely

As temperatures drop, many people with arthritis brace themselves for months of increased stiffness and pain. But what if the first step to easing that discomfort wasn’t in your medicine cabinet, but in your kitchen?

According to a recent Mirror report, Dr. Syed Nadeem Abbas, a stem cell specialist for joint disorders, suggests that a small change in your cooking habits could make a big difference in managing arthritis-related inflammation.

The Winter Agony of Aching Joints
Joint pain often worsens in colder weather, as low temperatures are known to heighten pain sensitivity and reduce blood flow, making muscles and joints feel stiffer. While there’s no permanent cure for arthritis, medical experts agree that diet and lifestyle can play a vital role in alleviating symptoms.

“Cold weather tends to trigger inflammation and discomfort, but simple dietary shifts can help the body respond better,” Dr. Abbas said, as quoted in the Mirror report.

The Kitchen Hero
Dr. Abbas recommends swapping your usual cooking fat for extra virgin olive oil, which he calls “a sustainable and practical addition” to an arthritis-friendly diet.

The key, he explains, lies in oleocanthal, a naturally occurring compound in olive oil that targets the same enzyme pathway as common painkillers. This means that, while it’s not a cure, it can help calm the body’s inflammatory response.

“It’s not a replacement for prescribed care,” Dr. Abbas cautioned. “But for many, cooking with extra virgin olive oil for roasting vegetables or drizzling over salads brings noticeable relief.”

The Arthritis Foundation supports this view, highlighting that olive oil is rich in heart-healthy fats and contains anti-inflammatory properties comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The foundation suggests consuming two to three tablespoons daily for optimal benefits.

More Power Foods for Calmer Joints
Beyond olive oil, Dr. Abbas recommends incorporating other anti-inflammatory foods into daily meals:

• Oily Fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel): Packed with omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation.
• Ginger: Easily added to teas, soups, or stir-fries; known to offer mild pain relief.
• Turmeric (with black pepper): Found in curries or golden milk, supports joint health naturally.
• Nuts and Seeds (walnuts, chia, flaxseed): Plant-based omega-3 sources that improve inflammation control.
• Colorful Fruits and Vegetables (berries, greens, peppers): Rich in antioxidants that protect joint tissues.

While no food alone can cure arthritis, experts believe these small, consistent dietary choices can make the difference between an agonizing winter and a more manageable one.