Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain in your muscles and joints. It may also cause joint stiffness, particularly in the morning, as well as fatigue and low-grade fever. Although diet cannot cure arthritis, adopting a vegetarian diet may help alleviate some symptoms of this disease. Check with your physician if you plan to alter your dietary practices to address arthritis symptoms.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Choose vegetarian foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli, low-fat milk, blueberries, kiwi fruit, spinach, avocados, mangoes and citrus fruits. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory benefits, which may help reduce pain, stiffness and impaired joint mobility associated with arthritis, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent lipids and free radical molecules from damaging bones, muscles and connective tissues.
Sulfur-Rich Foods
Several vegetarian foods, including eggs, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, tofu, onions and garlic are rich sources of sulfur. Sulfur is a trace mineral that facilitates the absorption of calcium from supplements and food sources, according to Balch. This may help prevent bone degradation common among arthritis sufferers. Sulfur is also necessary for the repair of connective tissue and cartilage.
Vitamin K-Rich Foods
Vitamin K is well known for its role in preventing excess bleeding; however, this vitamin may also help you avoid arthritis-related bone damage. Vitamin K aids in the absorption and use of calcium, which is necessary for maintaining bone density, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vegetarian foods such as strawberries, avocados, spinach, kale, alfalfa, rye bread and safflower oil are rich sources of vitamin K.
Hot Peppers
Add hot peppers such as cayenne, habanero and jalapeno peppers to stir fry dishes, curries, soups and casseroles -- these peppers may benefit arthritis sufferers. They contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that may relieve arthritis pain by blocking pain signals to your brain. However, these peppers may occasionally cause diarrhea or stomach upset. Also, always wear food preparation gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin burns.
Histidine-Rich Foods
Several vegetarian foods are rich sources of histidine. These include whole wheat breads, rye and brown rice. Histidine may help alleviate inflammation and joint stiffness by clearing excess metals from your joints, according to Balch.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
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