We think of arthritis as something that naturally happens when you get older, but science is revealing more about this condition every day, and there's actually a lot you can do to prevent it from worsening.

New research proves what doctors have already known: certain foods cause inflammation that makes your joint pain worse, and they've narrowed down which ones are the worst.

The study, conducted by Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, shows that junk foods and saturated fat can make arthritis pain worse. But some foods can also help ease your pain.

Joint pain is caused when the cartilage protecting your bones starts to wear off.

"The main function of cartilage is to seal the bone ends in a joint and absorb pressure on the bones during weight-bearing movement such as walking," explains professor Yin Xiao, who oversaw the study.

Without that protection even small gestures can be very painful. While junk food causes inflammation that hurts your joints, healthy foods can strengthen your cartilage.

Experts recommend foods full of Omega 3 fatty acids. Found in fish like tuna or salmon and in olive oil, these foods contain oleocanthal, which prevents inflammation the same way medicine like Ibuprofen does.

If you can't stand fish, a fish oil supplement will also do the trick, or adding fiber to your diet with foods like fruit, veggies, beans and oatmeal.

But remember: a healthy diet won't totally fix your joint pain, so talk with your doctor and make a plan to keep your arthritis under control.

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