Arthritis Diet: What to Eat And What To Avoid

 Arthritis is a general term used to refer to a group of conditions... Arthritis is a general term used to refer to a group of conditions th...

 Arthritis is a general term used to refer to a group of conditions...

Arthritis is a general term used to refer to a group of conditions that cause pain and stiffness in bony joints. The pain is the result of inflammation and swelling of the bone joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common of all arthritis, others being rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, to name a few. 

Arthritis Diet

Although there is no known cure for arthritis, these conditions can be managed with the help of pain-relieving medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and a diet that can help manage inflammation and boost immunity.

The role of diet in managing arthritis and reducing painful episodes of inflammation is well documented. Let us take a look at some of the best foods to eat and avoid to help manage arthritis.

Foods to Include in Your Diet for Arthritis

Foods to Include in Your Diet for Arthritis

• Fish:- Fatty fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids that help fight inflammation. Consuming salmon, tuna and sardines help to keep stiffness and swelling away.
• Beans:- Regular consumption of beans is extremely helpful in many ways. Red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, etc. are excellent sources of antioxidants. What's more, these beans help regulate CRP (C-reactive protein) levels and thus help manage inflammation and swelling of the joints.
• Nuts and Seeds:- Doctors and nutritionists recommend the consumption of nuts and seeds as they give a boost of energy. For arthritis patients, they help fight inflammation due to the presence of monounsaturated fats. While nuts like almonds, pistachios, pine nuts can be high-calorie, a regular daily intake is essential.
• Fresh Vegetables:- Green leafy vegetables like spinach and fibrous vegetables like broccoli are among the healthiest foods. Broccoli contains sulforaphane which reduces inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, spinach is also loaded with the antioxidant kaempferol that helps ward off inflammation and fight disease.
• Jamun:- Berries are nature's gift to mankind. They are full of minerals and antioxidants and promote overall health. Berries like blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are rich in quercetin and rutin which inhibit the inflammatory process. For arthritis patients, Jamun should form a regular part of the daily diet.
• Ginger and Garlic:- Ginger and garlic have natural anti-inflammatory properties. They have been used in natural and holistic remedies for a very long time. Nutritionists agree that adding these to your diet regularly can help reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

Foods to Avoid for Arthritis

• Fried Foods:- Reducing fried foods and replacing them with fruits and vegetables has been proven to have health benefits. One of these is relief from joint pain and swelling.
• Sugars and Refined Carbs:- A diet high in sugars and processed foods increase AGEs (advanced glycation end) levels which in turn trigger the production of cytokines. Cytokines are inflammatory messengers that increase the inflammation and pain of arthritis.
• Dairy Products:- Dairy products can trigger inflammation and joint pain due to the type of protein present in them. In some people, the protein can irritate the tissue around the joints.
• Tobacco:- Tobacco and tobacco products are very harmful to health and can cause many diseases including some diseases affecting the joints. Smokers have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.