Alkaline Foods & Arthritis

More than 100 types of arthritis affect Americans, according to Harvard Health Publications. Certain medicinal foods may relieve arthritis symptoms and reduce pain. Raising the body's pH to slightly alkaline rather than acid may offer relief from a wide variety of problems for arthritis patients. Speak to your doctor before using foods to treat serious diseases.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Foods high in potassium can affect the body by creating an environment in the blood that is slightly alkaline. Apple cider vinegar has shown much promise in helping to reduce symptoms of joint pain, especially in cases of gouty arthritis, where the vinegar may prevent the formation of uric acid crystals that deposit in joints causing pain. Add apple cider vinegar to your diet by using it as a salad dressing, making pickles or drinking it mixed with water. Pour 2 to 4 tbsp. vinegar in a glass with 8 oz. water and drink to relieve joint pain. Reduce the amount of vinegar if it is too strong, and work up to the full dose over time. Have one or two glasses daily for pain relief.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

Mixing lemon juice with baking soda balances the individual pH of both substances, creating a near-neutral pH of 7, say Dr. Robert Young and Shelley Redford Young in "The pH Miracle." This combination can act to alkalize your blood and reduce pain during an acute arthritis attack. Lemons are slightly acidic and high in potassium, making them good candidates for an alkaline diet; and baking soda is naturally alkaline. Although baking soda can raise the blood pressure on its own, when mixed this way, it is less likely to do so because of the change in its composition. Pour 2 tbsp. lemon juice into a tall glass and add 1/2 tsp. baking soda. After all foam and fizz is gone, add 8 oz. water and drink immediately for relief. Consult your doctor before using this mixture if you have high blood pressure or are taking medicines for hypertension.

Alkaline Vegetables and Fruits

Most fruits and vegetables are alkaline and in their raw form, so they are excellent additions to any diet if you are trying to create a more alkaline state in the body. Certain vegetables and fruits are exceptionally alkaline and should be included in your diet to help neutralize acidosis that may be aggravating your arthritis, suggests Felicia Drury Kliment in "The Acid Alkaline Balance." Add parsley, alfalfa sprouts, kohlrabi, wheat grass, kelp and all melons to your menu plan.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are an excellent addition to an alkaline diet. The addition of fiber to your diet helps keep your system running better and supports a more alkaline state in the blood. The ancient grains, or tiny grains, known as amaranth, quinoa and millet are especially nutritious and more alkaline than other types of grain. You can eat these ancient grains on their own or mix them with more traditional grains for delicious dishes that may help overcome symptoms of arthritis.