Top 5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Kids with JIA

Many foods provide powerful anti inflammatory nutrients. The top five nutrient dense anti inflammatory foods are nuts, fatty fish, berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish. Many of these ingredients can be incorporated into smoothies. Have the kids help pick ingredients and have them be a part of adding everything to the blender to get them excited about their healthy choices. Cod liver oil supplements are great for kids who don’t like fish.

1. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds36. These fish are excellent sources of protein and provide essential nutrients that help combat inflammation in the body.

2. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and cherries are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that have strong anti-inflammatory effects14. These colorful fruits are not only delicious but also help reduce inflammatory markers in the blood.

3. Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach, kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard are loaded with vitamin K, antioxidants, and other anti-inflammatory compounds25. These nutrient-dense vegetables help dramatically reduce inflammatory markers in the blood and provide numerous health benefits.

4. Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, and other tree nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants that fight inflammation24. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly walnuts, which further enhance their anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and is known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects36. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and contains oleocanthal, a compound with similar anti-inflammatory properties to ibuprofen.

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