The aging process naturally produces a lot of unwanted changes. Arthritis results when the cartilage between the bones breaks down --- which leads to painful, stiff and swollen joints. While no official "arthritis diet" exists, making certain dietary changes can reduce the inflammatory processes that trigger these symptoms. Consult your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet.
Warnings
Dietary theories abound for treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis. While some of these suggestions might have sound scientific evidence or theory behind them, many do not. Exercise caution with unproven, alternative diets, particularly ones that include large doses of herbs, vitamins or other natural supplements. If you have an interest in taking a more holistic approach to your condition, consider working with a naturopathic physician --- in addition to standard medical training, they also tend to have a broader knowledge on the role of nutrition in treating disease. Other good choices include licensed nutritionists and dietitians.
Diet and Inflammation
Inflammation often plays a helpful role in the body; it helps to increase blood flow and the delivery of immune-system cells to injured or diseased areas. Sometimes, however, this very process occurs chronically or frequently with no particular purpose, as in the case with arthritis. While you cannot completely control this process through diet, the foods you eat contain substances that either trigger or quell this inflammation. Eating in this manner has been referred to as an "anti-inflammatory diet" and might help arthritis symptoms.
Eating the Right Fats
Fats, in particular, can influence the inflammatory process. Your body produces prostaglandins --- hormones that control the inflammatory process --- from the fats you consume. Some of these prostaglandins encourage inflammation; others combat it. Foods that create "bad" prostaglandins include saturated fat, polyunsaturated vegetable oils like corn, safflower and sunflower oil and hydrogenated vegetable oils --- also called trans fats. Common culprits include red meat, full-fat dairy, margarine, fried foods, shortening and many processed foods. Polyunsaturated vegetable oils appear in most snack foods.
The Diet Channel, a website created by registered dietitians, advises that you consume fats that quell inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, walnuts, flaxseed and hemp seed. Cook with oils rich in monounsaturated fat, such as olive and canola. Nuts and seeds also contain healthy fats.
Carbohydrate Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises you to reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks and refined carbohydrates like white bread; they also trigger inflammation in the body. Choose whole grains instead like whole wheat, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, bulgur and millet.
Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables
Antioxidants are a wide range of vitamins, minerals and other substances that protect cells from damage and combat inflammation. Examples include vitamins C and E. While a wide range of foods contain antioxidants, fruits and vegetables offer the richest variety. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables in the full range of colors will ensure a diet rich in numerous antioxidants. Particularly goods choices include berries, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes and apples.
Supplementing Diet
In addition to eating a healthy diet, certain supplements might offer an added boost. Bromelain --- derived from pineapples --- has demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits, notes the UMMC. Other possibly beneficial supplements include SAMe, avocado soybean unsaponifiables, glucosamine and chondroitin. Talk to your doctor before using natural supplements.
