1. Avoid Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Arthritis is a serious health problem. Arthritis, cancer and heart disease all have inflammation in common. Inflammation plays a key role in arthritis and your diet plays a big part in arthritis pain relief. Omega-6 fatty acids ramps up the production of an enzyme in your body that increases inflammation. Processed foods are often high in omega-6 fatty acids. Decrease or cut out your consumption of safflower, soybean, cottonseed and corn oil. You will find these oils in commercially prepared snack food, margarine and fried food. Meat and egg yolks also contain omega-6 fatty acids so reduce the amounts you eat of them as well. It is interesting to note that as you eat large amounts of any food with omega-6's it is likely you are overweight. Research also indicates that obesity causes you body to produce cytokines, which also promote inflammation. Therefore, the message is obvious, reduce the amount of omega-6 fatty acids you eat to ease arthritis pain.
2. Fabulous Fiber
What can you do? Eat more fiber. According to research, fiber lowers a reactive protein in the blood. If you have high levels of the protein in your blood, it may signal arthritis or heart disease. Lowering the level lowers inflammation. Fiber supplements are available but it is best to eat them in unprocessed, whole foods. Vegetables, peas, beans and whole grains are full of fiber. Many plant foods have antioxidants and phytochemicals and both may decrease the activity of an enzyme that causes inflammation. Therefore, when you eat plant foods for fiber you also get a double dose of inflammation fighting power.
3. Low Carb Smarts
Many carbohydrates in diets today are highly processed, will initiate the inflammation response and result in arthritis pain. A new study indicates a low-carb diet is even more effective in reducing inflammation than a low fat diet. However, you want to eat high-quality carbs. Dark green vegetables, berries, whole wheat bread and brown rice are good choices.
4. Omega-3 Magic
Omega-3 fatty acids seem to be in the news a lot lately and for good reason. The beneficial effect of omega-3s on general health is irrefutable; in particular, the benefit they have is in reducing inflammation. It is difficult to find a processed food with omega-3 fatty acids. However they are abundant in fish. Fatty fish like tuna, salmon and mackerel will provide the most significant amounts of omega-3's. Eat canola oil, flax seeds and walnuts to widen your omega-3 choices.
Member Comments