Eating right for your Arthritis

This article was published on: 04/6/17 7:07 AM

Arthritis is a general term covering conditions like joint pain and inflammation. Typical treatment involves pain-reducing medication. While there is no definitive arthritis diet, research suggests including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet and limiting foods that may trigger joint pain.

Remove processed food from your plate: Cutting down on consumption of fried and processed foods such as fried meat and cooked frozen food can reduce inflammation and actually help restore the body’s natural defenses. Instead, you should add more of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Slash down sugar and salt. Lower down sugar and salt content from your diet. Excess salt consumption can raise your risk of serious health conditions. You can use sugar free sweeteners as an alternative for sugar. Induce Protein in yourself. Rather than getting protein from meat and dairy, get the bulk of your protein sources from vegetables like spinach, nut butters, tofu, beans, lentils, and quinoa.

Delete Alcohol from life. Those who are drinkers should be extremely careful. Tobacco and alcohol use can lead to a number of health problems, including some that may affect your joints. Smokers are more at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, while those who consume alcohol have a higher risk for developing gout. Consume Omega-3 fatty acids. Many baked goods and snacks contain corn or other oils high in omega-6 fatty acids. While these treats may satisfy your taste buds, they may trigger inflammation. Replace foods containing omega-6 fatty acids with healthy, anti-inflammatory omega-3 alternatives such as olive oil, nuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Eating fish is another great recommendation for arthritis survivors. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Put colors on your plate. Cherries are known to help reduce the frequency of gout attacks. Researchers have explored the fact that the anthocyanins found in cherries work as an anti-inflammatory ingredient. Anthocyanins can also be found in other red and purple fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Create a fruit-nut affair. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and limes are rich in vitamin C. Research shows that getting the right amount of vitamin aids in preventing inflammatory arthritis and maintaining healthy joints with osteoarthritis. Not to forget, nuts are rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E and immune boosting alpha linolenic acid as well as filling protein and fiber. They are heart-healthy and beneficial for weight loss. Try walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios and almonds.