A healthy diet can enhance your weight, immune system and overall wellness. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends to arthritis sufferers a diet that is low in saturated fats and rich in nutrients. Foods such as fatty fish, vegetables, whole grains and fruits may provide exceptional benefits for arthritis sufferers. Doctor-approved exercise regimens and healthy weight management are also important for soothing arthritis pain and inflammation. For best results, seek specified advice from your nutritionist or physician.
Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits supply ample amounts of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and other vital nutrients. Antioxidant-rich foods help your body defend itself from diseases and infections and support overall immune system strength. Vegetables and fruits also contain much water, which enhances fiber and hydration in addition to supporting digestive functions, fullness between meals and heart health.
According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, excess weight gain causes joint stress and can trigger arthritis symptoms. Increasing your vegetable and fruit intake may also help you maintain a healthy caloric intake. Vegetables and fruits also provide nutritious alternatives to processed snack foods and sugary sweets. Vegetables and fruits that contain antioxidant-rich nutrients include apples, plums, tomatoes, berries, cherries, citrus fruits, pears, spinach, kale, broccoli, artichokes, bell peppers, string beans, cantaloupe, carrots and collard greens.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as lake trout, flounder, halibut, mackerel, salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to promoting healthy cardiovascular functions, omega-3 fatty acids may decrease arthritis symptoms such as morning stiffness and inflammation. Fatty fish also provide healthy alternatives to unhealthy saturated fat sources such as lamb, beef and pork. For optimum health benefits, add fatty fish to your diet on a regular basis.
Whole Grains
Refined grain, such as white bread, white flour, processed foods and sugar products have inadequate amounts of nutrition. Whole grains contain ample amounts of fiber, minerals and vitamins. "Arthritis Today" reports that a nutritious breakfast can enhance your metabolism, overall wellness and energy. To maximize health benefits from your breakfast meals, replace whole grain cereals and breads in place of refined carbohydrates.
According to a health article by dietitian Joy Bauer, whole grains contain selenium, a powerful antioxidant that may ease arthritis-associated symptoms. Examples of healthy whole grain-based foods include oatmeal, quinoa, whole grain breads, while rice, brown rice, steel-cut oats, whole grain cereals and English muffins. When purchasing whole grain products, check food labels to ensure whole grains are the main ingredients.
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": Benefits of Breakfast
- Joy Bauer, R.D., M.S., C.D.N: Fight arthritis with these foods, Oct 2007
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