Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause inflammation and pain of the joints in the hand, feet, hips and knees. There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Research indicates that diet might play a role in reducing the severity of arthritic conditions.
Mediterranean Diet
Researchers from the University of Glasglow studied the impact of a Mediterranean diet, which consists of healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks and damages joints. Scientists reported in the September 2007 issue of the journal "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases," that rheumatoid arthritis patients adhering to a Mediterranean diet for six months experienced significant reductions in pain.
Cherries
Cherries contain a high content of antioxidants, which might help arthritic sufferers. Scientists from Baylor Research Institute explored the effects of cherries on patients with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. They discovered that patients consumed cherry pills for eight weeks experienced decreases in pain and improvements in pain, according to Science Daily.
Alcohol
In findings published in the June 2010 issue of the journal "Rheumatology," researchers from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom examined the relationship between frequency of alcohol consumption and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. They observed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who drank the most frequently had less severe symptoms compared to those who drank infrequently.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that may play a role in treating rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study conducted by scientists from Instiuto Nacional de la Nutricion Salavdor Zubiran in Mexico. They performed a review of the effects of omega-3 fatty acid consumption on rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. They concluded that omega-3 fatty acids help improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and decreases the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, according to research published in the June 1998 issue of the journal "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism." Omega 3 rich foods include walnuts, soybeans, salmon, tuna and herring.
References
- "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases"; A Pilot Study of a Mediterranean Type Diet Intervention in Female Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Living in Areas of Social Deprivation in Glasgow; G. McKellar et al.; March 2007
- Science Daily: Can Cherries Relieve The Pain Of Osteoarthritis?
- "Rheumatology"; Alcohol Consumption is Inversely Associated with Risk and Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis; J.R. Maxwell et al.; July 2010
- "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview; R. Aria et al.; June 1998
