24 Gentle Food Swaps to Soothe Arthritis Pain Naturally

17. Replace Refined Seed Oils in Mayo for Avocado Oil Mayo

Store-bought mayonnaise is often a hidden source of highly inflammatory refined seed oils like soybean, canola, or sunflower oil, which are high in omega-6s. This can quietly undermine your efforts to reduce inflammation. A surprising swap is to replace traditional mayo with one made from avocado oil. Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, similar to olive oil, and has a neutral flavor that works perfectly in dressings, sandwiches, and dips. This simple condiment upgrade removes a significant inflammatory trigger from your diet, offering a delicious and gut-friendly alternative.

18. Swap Inflammatory Nut Butters for Anti-Inflammatory Options

While nuts are generally good, some popular nut butters can be problematic. Conventional peanut butter, for instance, often contains added sugars, hydrogenated oils, and a higher ratio of inflammatory omega-6s. Swap out standard peanut butter for almond or walnut butter. Almond butter offers healthy fats and Vitamin E, while walnut butter is particularly rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3. Always choose brands with minimal ingredients – just nuts and maybe a touch of salt – to ensure you're getting pure, anti-inflammatory goodness without hidden additives.