Foods to Enjoy

• Eat a well-balanced diet to manage your weight and provide you with plenty of nutrients. Your diet should include foods that are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and fiber.
  
  Eat a variety of whole grains. Whole grains have been found to decrease inflammation levels in both arthritis and bursitis patients, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Fiber is also a natural appetite suppressant and can provide you with the ability to maintain or lose weight more easily. Instead of eating foods made with refined flours, choose whole-grain products such as breads, pasta and cereals. Whole grains include oats, brown rice, whole wheat and barley.
  
  Enjoy fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables can supply nutrients that are known to decrease inflammation levels, according to the University of Washington Orthopedics. Have fruit for dessert instead of sugary baked goods. Snack on fruit instead of fatty, salt-laden foods such as potato chips.
  
  Eat soy foods. Soy foods, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, are high in plant sterols, which are beneficial for your arthritis and bursitis symptoms. According to the Arthritis Foundation, plant-based foods can decrease your joint and tissue inflammation because they counteract the activity of the harmful COX-2 enzyme. Substitute tofu or tempeh for red meat.
  
  Choose low-fat protein. The USDA recommends eating skinless poultry or beans for your protein source instead of red meats. A good way to get your protein is by making a pot of vegetarian or chicken chili or minestrone soup.
  
  Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. According to the Arthritis Foundation, these fatty acids help decrease inflammation. Foods that are high in this nutrient include fish, walnuts, flax seeds and olives, states the USDA.
  
  

Foods to Monitor

• Limit saturated fats. Saturated fats are found in animal and dairy products, fast foods, processed foods and deep-fried foods. These harmful fats are known to increase arthritis and bursitis inflammation levels. The Arthritis Foundation and the USDA recommend that you either avoid or limit consumption of these foods. Choose low-fat dairy instead of whole-fat products.
  
  

Spices and Herbs

• Use spices and herbs. According to the Arthritis Foundation, turmeric is recommended as part of your arthritis/bursitis diet. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is notable for its anti-inflammatory properties. You can enjoy turmeric as either a supplement or a spice. You can find it as a supplement in the natural foods section of your market. As a spice, buy turmeric in powdered form from the spice section. Add some to your soups, pasta sauces and steamed vegetables. You can also use it in tea.
  
  Include ginger, basil, rosemary, cinnamon and curry powder as part of your diet for arthritis and bursitis. Make some ginger tea. Use rosemary and basil as a poultry seasoning. Cook some curried chicken and brown rice for dinner.