Diets for osteoarthritis sufferers typically focus on healthy eating and weight loss to reduce the strain on the joints. Aside from modifying your diet to lose weight, you can alter your diet to help reduce your osteoarthritis symptoms. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet to help treat osteoarthritis.
Foods to Add
Eating an overall healthy diet to achieve weight loss can reduce your symptoms and risk of injury, as well as help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you're overweight or obese, reducing your weight can help alleviate the stress on your joints. Enriching your diet with whole grains, vegetables and fruits, as well as healthier fats like olive oil, can improve your overall health and reduce your weight, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also try eating foods that could have anti-inflammatory actions like pickles, onions, parsley, garlic, lemons and watercress. Condiments like horseradish and mustard can also promote decreased osteoarthritis-related inflammation, along with rose hip tea, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish oil and seed or nut oils can provide anti-inflammatory effects as well .
Foods to Avoid
There are several different theories involving foods that potentially cause osteoarthritis or worsen the associated symptoms, notes the University of Michigan Health System. For example, food allergens like wheat or dairy sensitivities may aggravate osteoarthritis inflammation. Eliminating processed foods, dairy products, sugar, eggs, poultry and meats could help treat or prevent osteoarthritis, according to a 1974 book entitled, "How Thousands of My Arthritis Patients Regained Their Health" by Dr. Max Warmbrand, as noted by the University of Michigan Health System. Another theory involves the idea that the substance solanine, which is found in tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and white potatoes can cause osteoarthritis. For overall health and weight loss, avoid trans fats and other fatty or processed foods, refined foods like white bread and sugar, and red meats, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can induce or worsen inflammation in some people.
Key Nutrients
Certain nutrients are especially important to your diet if you have osteoarthritis, and you might take them in supplement form if you can't get them from the foods you eat. Vitamins C and D could slow the progression of the disease, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and vitamins B3 and E may also help in treating osteoarthritis, says the University of Michigan Health System. Other supplemental nutrients often recommended for osteoarthritis patients include fish oil, d-phenylalanine--DPA, methylsulfonylmethane--MSM, hyaluronic acid, boron and certain digestive enzymes like bromelain. Taking s-adenosyl-L-methionine--SAMe--may relieve your osteoarthritis-related pain, and unsaponifiables--ASUs--extracted from avocados and soybeans could also help, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Don't take any supplement for osteoarthritis without first consulting your doctor.
Considerations
If you're considering any dietary changes to help treat osteoarthritis, seek the help of your physician and a registered dietitian, advises the University of Michigan Health System. A dietitian can help you devise a diet plan that's right for your specific health considerations, food allergies and tastes. If you suspect that your osteoarthritis flare-ups could be caused by food allergens, your dietitian can recommend a safe and healthy elimination diet to pinpoint the foods to which you're allergic. If you're attempting to lose weight, your dietitian can also recommend an effective diet with nutrient-rich foods, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Warning
Don't attempt any special diet for osteoarthritis without seeking the advice of your doctor, warns the University of Michigan Health System. Also, don't take any supplements before talking with your physician to establish the safe dosage and discuss any potential health risks or drug interactions, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Be especially careful when changing your diet or taking supplements if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
