Polyarthritis is arthritis affecting five or more joints. Following a diet involves more than eating the correct foods or avoiding harmful foods. It involves making your life easier by incorporating joint-healthy techniques that increase your independence. Incorporating these methods into your daily lifestyle provide a natural way to counteract your polyarthritis symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can help polyarthritis in many ways. Omega-3s can reduce joint pain, anti-inflammatory drug usage and morning stiffness. The fatty acids also contain compounds more powerful than the original acids, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Omega-3s contains compounds known as resolvins that help stop the inflammatory process of arthritis. Cold water fish such as albacore tuna, mackerel, herring, salmon, lake trout and sardines contain the largest amounts of this arthritis-reducing fat.
Easy Meal Preparation
Meals must be easy to prepare, since joint pain and stiffness can be so hindering, according to the University of Washington Medical Center. Instead of manually cutting, peeling, dicing or preparing fresh vegetables and/or fruits, purchase a machine to do these tasks. Reduce your preparation time by buying healthy convenience foods prepared in a heart-healthy manner. Plan breaks in between preparing different courses.
Sit on a high stool while preparing foods. Use disposable pans for easy clean-up.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids can increase joint inflammation and play havoc on your polyarthritis. These fatty acids must be limited, in your diet, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Omega-6 fatty acids contain a COX-2 enzyme that activates upon consuming too many of these acids. Omega-6s are found in plant-based oils including cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, soybean and corn. Processed foods, including fried foods, margarines, spreads and snack foods contain these fats, also.
Well-Balanced Meal Plan
Eating a variety of foods from each food group is the best way to control your arthritis, according to the University of Washington Medical Center. Recommended foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low or nonfat dairy and lean protein. Lean protein includes skinless poultry, fish, legumes, dairy foods and/or lean cuts of red meat.
Weight Management
Maintaining a proper weight is essential for controlling your polyarthritis. Lose weight, if overweight. Joint inflammation is linked to obesity, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Excess weight increases joint stress. Reach the ideal weight by eating a nutrient-rich variety of foods, using portion control and taking in less calories than you consume. The diet recommends eliminating foods high in cholesterol, calories, fat and sugar. Keep a food journal to help monitor your food consumption.
Importance of Exercise
Physical activity plays a major role in staying healthy while having polyarthritis. Exercising can counteract joint stiffness, improve your mental outlook, keep bones and cartilage strong and increases muscle strength, according to the University of Washington Medical Center and the Arthritis Foundation. Exercising in water provides an alternative if land exercises are too painful. Developing an exercise program that includes range of motion, strengthening and cardiovascular exercises is needed.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Fatty Acid Benefits
- Arthritis Foundation: Fish for Inflammation
- University of Washington Medical Center: About Diet and Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Eat to Beat Joint Inflammation
- University of Washington Medical Center: Weight Control
- University of Washington Medical Center: Exercise and Arthritis
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