Kitchen & Resources
The right tools make anti-inflammatory cooking easier, more enjoyable, and more consistent. These are the items I use and recommend — plus a heads-up on the Joint Stack Table cookbook coming soon.
The Joint Stack Table
A full cookbook built around the same philosophy as this site — global flavors, anti-inflammatory science, and real food for people living with RA and cachexia.
I'm currently writing The Joint Stack Table — a comprehensive cookbook with 100+ recipes, meal plans, and nutritional guidance tailored for rheumatoid arthritis, cachexia, and related immune conditions. It will include everything on this site and much more.
Tools that make the difference
Anti-inflammatory cooking often involves slow simmering, spice grinding, and blending. These tools are worth having.
Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
The workhorse of anti-inflammatory cooking. Perfect for slow-braised stews, bone broths, and one-pot meals. Even heat distribution means spices bloom properly without burning.
Essential for Moroccan harira, Korean bone broth, and Ethiopian misir wot.
Mortar & Pestle (Granite)
Freshly ground spices release more volatile oils than pre-ground — meaning more curcumin, more gingerol, more flavor. A granite mortar is the most durable option.
Maximizes bioavailability of turmeric, black pepper, and ginger.
Immersion Blender
Blend soups, dals, and sauces directly in the pot — no transferring hot liquids. Invaluable for smooth, velvety textures that are easier to eat during flares.
Easier eating during RA flares when jaw or hand fatigue is a factor.
Stock these, cook anything
A well-stocked anti-inflammatory pantry means you're always 30 minutes from a healing meal.
High-Quality Turmeric Powder
Look for turmeric with ≥3% curcumin content. Organic, single-origin options from India or Sri Lanka tend to be most potent.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Cold-Pressed)
The oleocanthal in quality EVOO has ibuprofen-like anti-inflammatory effects. Don't cook at high heat — use for finishing and dressings.
Organic Red Lentils
Fast-cooking, protein-dense, and rich in folate. The base of dozens of recipes on this site. Buy in bulk.
Wild-Caught Salmon (Canned or Frozen)
Omega-3 rich and shelf-stable. Canned wild salmon is one of the most cost-effective anti-inflammatory proteins available.
Miso Paste (White or Red)
Fermented soy provides probiotics, umami depth, and anti-inflammatory isoflavones. Refrigerates for months.
Coconut Milk (Full-Fat, BPA-Free)
Calorie-dense and rich in medium-chain triglycerides. Essential for Thai soups and cachexia-support recipes.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or have thoroughly researched.