Arthritis affects nearly one in five people in the United States. Arthritis is the broad term for hundreds of disorders involving the joints. The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Each of them damages the joints in different ways. The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis can be pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion depending on the type you have. Most people are not aware that making healthy food choices can greatly improve the way they feel.
Many people enjoy food so much that they may not realize that what they are putting into their systems can cause inflammation in their bodies. Arthritis is a disease of inflammation, so people with arthritis should focus on finding the anti-inflammatory foods they like. Daily exercise and weight loss (if you are overweight) will help relieve stress on your joints. It will also help reduce the level of inflammation in the body. Nutrition is key! It’s always a good idea to discuss a new diet with a professional.
You can fight arthritis with foods that help reduce some aspect of inflammation; Omega-3 Fatty Acids (salmon, rainbow trout, Pacific oysters, flaxseed, and walnuts), Extra Virgin Olive Oil (use in cooking), Antioxidants (sweet peppers, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, lemons, broccoli, melon, mangoes), tuna, crab, tilapia, whole wheat pasta, lean beef, cod, shrimp, turkey, sweet potato, carrot, pumpkin, apricots, spinach, onions, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, elderberries, and apples) and Spices (ginger and turmeric ) are among a few known to help.
The inflammation irritates arthritic joints, causing the tissues to swell and become inflamed. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can reduce swelling, but it’s also important to be aware of foods that can trigger painful inflammation. Get away of; fried foods, soft drinks, refined carbohydrates, lard, processed meats, refined oils, salts, sugars, dairy products, simple carbohydrates, processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, alcohol, tobacco, white rice, white flour, white bread, pasta, cakes, etc.
A healthy diet can be maintained by eliminating or reducing inflammatory foods. Start by reading ingredient labels and look for the listed levels of saturated and trans fats. Compare different brands of products to see which have lower levels of unhealthy fats and sugars. Switch to natural cooking oils like olive or avocado oil. Avoid foods that are fried or have been cooked at high temperatures. Choose more low-fat and trans-fat-free options when shopping for packaged foods. Add more omega-3 fatty acids and reduce omega-6 fatty acids. Finally, eat as close to natural as possible by consuming fewer pre-packaged and processed foods.
If you have arthritis, it’s important to find the foods that make you feel better. These food suggestions are a guide and not a one size fits all. Foods that cause joint pain in one person may not cause the same joint pain in the next person. Paying attention to what you are consuming can drastically change the way you feel. Stay away from foods that cause inflammation and find the anti-inflammatory foods you like! And don’t forget to exercise!
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this document.
