Many different diets have been proposed for reversing or treating arthritis, but no widely accepted, conclusive medical research supports following any particular dietary regiment to treat the condition. A healthy diet that excludes or limits certain foods that contribute to your symptoms might be helpful for treating arthritis, however. Talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet to help to treat arthritis.
Foods to Add
Enriching your diet with lots of vegetables and fruits may help in the treatment of chronic illnesses such as arthritis, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants may be especially helpful in reducing your arthritis-related inflammation. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in cold-water fish, could also decrease inflammation and joint damage from arthritis. Using olive oil in cooking and salad dressings may reduce your risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to a 1999 study published by lead author A. Linos in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." This apparent effect is likely due to olive oil's high content of oleic acid. Eating lean meats and other protein sources that are low in saturated fats can help as well, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Foods to Avoid
Some medical research indicates that excluding animal-derived foods such as meats and dairy products and following a vegan or strict-vegetarian diet can help to treat rheumatoid arthritis, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For example, a clinical trial by lead researcher J. Kjeldsen-Kragh found that following a vegetarian diet effectively reduced symptoms in patients with mild rheumatoid arthritis over the course of one year, according to a 1991 issue of "Lancet." Another study by lead author M. Nenonen discovered that a raw vegan diet helped to treat rheumatoid arthritis over the course of three months, according to a 1992 study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Avoiding saturated fats in your diet can reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although the idea is still somewhat controversial, you might experience less arthritis pain and inflammation if you eliminate potential food allergens from your diet. You can also limit your dietary intake of refined or processed foods, red meats, trans fats, caffeine and alcohol. In fact, a 2000 preliminary study in the "Annals of Rheumatic Disorders" found that drinking four or more cups of coffee each day could increase your risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Key Nutrients
Certain nutrients found in foods or natural supplements could reduce your arthritis symptoms. These key nutrients include vitamin E, zinc, vitamin B-6 and gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, bromelain and folic acid can help in treating arthritis, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Supplementation of selenium, vitamin B-5, boron, copper, D-phenylalanine or bentaine HCl could also help, adds the University of Michigan Health System. Consult your physician before you begin taking any supplements for treating your arthritis, however.
Considerations
Keep in mind that your diet can influence your arthritis symptoms and severity in indirect ways, as well. For example, reducing your body weight if you're overweight or obese can ease the stress on your joints, indirectly decreasing pain and inflammation, the Mayo Clinic notes. And although eliminating foods that appear to worsen your arthritis flare-ups is sometimes recommended for treating the condition, you shouldn't eliminate entire food groups from your diet. Exercise can also contribute to relieving your arthritis symptoms, so you should attempt to exercise about 30 minutes five days each week, if your doctor says it's safe to do so, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center. Additionally, the scientific evidence supporting special dietary regiments like vegan or vegetarian diets is still very weak, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Therefore, you should follow an arthritis-reversal diet only under the close supervision of a qualified health-care professional or registered dietitian.
Warnings
Taking certain vitamins and natural supplements may pose health risks and drug interactions. For instance, taking bromelain or omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as fish oil can increase your bleeding risks, particularly if you have a disorder like hemophilia or take blood-thinners such as Coumadin, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also, taking folic acid supplements can hide a deficiency in vitamin B-12. Discuss these and other potential health dangers with a doctor before taking a supplement for treating arthritis.
