Arthritis is a chronic disease of the joints that causes inflammation, stiffness and limb deformity. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that over 20 million people in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis. Although many arthritis sufferers utilize prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain medications, diet adjustment is often overlooked as arthritis treatment. While some foods can trigger arthritis pain, other foods can contribute to inflammation and pain reduction from the condition.
Fruits and Vegetables
Diets with ample amounts of vegetables and fruits can contribute to arthritic pain reduction, reports the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Fiber and antioxidants found in vegetables and fruits can also reduce pain and joint stiffness, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis, notes the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. It also states that antioxidant properties in vegetables and fruits prevent free radical damage on arthritic joints. The Arthritis Today website recommends that you consume at least five servings of nutritious vegetables and fruits daily for optimum health benefits.
Fish
Omega-3 fatty acid nutrients found in fish may help reduce arthritis symptoms, according to the John Hopkins Arthritis Center website. Fish contains beneficial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which contain compounds called resolvins that work to end the inflammation process, according to the Arthritis Today website. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center recommends eating fatty fish like mackerel, herring and salmon instead of using fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally produced by the body, so it is important to supplement with healthy amounts of fish.
Whole Grains
While refined grains like pasta, white bread and white rice may worsen arthritis symptoms, the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine website reports that whole grains, like rye and oats, do not contribute to pain. In addition, the fiber in whole grains may reduce joint stiffness associated with arthritis. The University of Maryland website suggests that you eat more whole grain products such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread, oats and bulgur to reap nutritional benefits.
Tofu
Although tofu does not possess any qualities to decrease arthritis symptoms, it is considered good for arthritis patients because it replaces meat. All meat products, whether pork, chicken, beef or turkey, have inflammatory qualities that can worsen arthritis swelling and pain, explains the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine website. Tofu can be used as protein replacement for meats. Tofu can be cooked with soups, stir-fry meals and casseroles.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Arthritis
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Arthritis and Nutrition
- Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine: Foods and Arthritis
- Arthritis Today: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: RA and Food Allergies
- Joy Bauer, R.D., M.S., C.D.N: Fight arthritis with these foods, Oct 2007
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Role of Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis
