Arthritis 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, except that in underdeveloped countries, where people work hard throughout life osteoarthritis is a much less common problem.

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. For example, see "Controlled Trial of One Year Vegetarian Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis." [Lancet, October, 1991] Symptoms in all patients improved within 7 days.

Some arthritis experts consider that the best diet to reduce inflammatory arthritis 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. However, experts remain divided as to the impact of diet modification on arthritis.

Foods to Include That May Relieve General Arthritis Symptoms

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.

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Not all exercises or diets are suitable for everyone. The instructions and advice presented on this site are in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. The creators, producers, participants and distributors of this site disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the information and advice provided here.  

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