If rainy days — or any days — bring you aching joints, you might want to consider some eating strategies for combatting inflammation:

• eat more essential fatty acids: coldwater fish (herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines); chia seeds; ground flaxseeds; nuts; seed oils

• drink more water—and reduce or eliminate soda, which creates an acidic environment in which inflammation thrives

• eat more raw vegetables and fruits, especially fresh greens, berries and cherries

• eat quercetin-rich foods: onions, citrus fruits, apples, onions, parsley

• eat fresh pineapple & fresh papaya—enzymes reduce inflammation

• enjoy raw nuts, preferably soaked overnight: almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts

• choose organic lean meats and eggs from grass-fed sources (as opposed to grain-fed)

• use anti-inflammatory spices: turmeric, ginger, garlic, oregano, coriander, fennel, cayenne pepper

• reduce or eliminate nightshades: tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and peppers

• minimize grains in general and gluten grains in particular (wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, barley)

• reduce consumption of legumes—they contain lectins which can cause inflammation

• avoid soda, sugar, flour products, processed / packaged / refined foods

• avoid saturated fats, fried foods, and salt