Arthritis and Diet
There are two basic types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes stiffness and pain in the joints, and is usually the result of ageing. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition which causes joints to swell and become painful. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known, although one reason for the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis may be a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet. Indeed, inflammatory arthritis is much more common in countries where rich foods are eaten, like the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. (In a few people, some plant proteins, such as the gluten of wheat, may also be a contributory cause.).
Diet and Inflammatory Arthritis
Medical literature contains many documented cases of how diet modification can improve inflammatory arthritis. Some arthritis experts consider that the best arthritis diet to reduce inflammation contains no animal products and almost no kinds of fats and oils. In some people, eliminating certain highly allergenic plant foods, such as wheat, corn, and citrus fruits, is important (see Elimination Diet). However, experts remain divided as to the impact of diet modification on arthritis.
Arthritis Diet Foods that may reduce inflammation
Fruit In particular those high in Vitamin C, like blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi fruit, peaches, mango, cantaloupe melon and anti-inflammatory fruits like apples.
Vegetables In particular vegetables high in Vitamin A (beta-carotene) and Vitamin C. Carrots, squash, sweet potato, spinach, kale, collard greens, brocolli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts.
Oily Fish Rich omega-3 essential fatty acids and high in Vitamin E, like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna and trout.
Nuts and Seeds Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and high in Vitamin E. Unsalted nuts, like walnuts, brazil nuts and almonds, and seeds like sunflower, linseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Pulses and Grains Including lentils, chick peas (garbanzo beans), brown rice, whole wheat bread.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods Turmeric, ginger, garlic and apples.
Arthritis Diet Plan
For arthritis diet plan suggestions see Arthritis Diet Plan.
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