Arthritis is a painful condition that typically involves inflammation of the muscles and connective tissues of your joints. It may also involve degradation of bones and connective tissues. This condition produces symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, limited mobility and muscle stiffness, particularly after waking. A raw food diet may help ease the symptoms of arthritis. Check with your physician before adopting a raw food diet to treat arthritis.
Foods
Foods permitted in the raw food diet are typically vegan, meaning that they are derived from plants, rather than animal sources. These foods include vegetables, sprouts, fruits, nuts and seeds. The raw food diet favors whole, organic foods that have not been heated or subjected to processing; however, dehydrated foods are permitted. Sprouted grains and legumes may be sprouted, mashed and dehydrated for use as raw tortillas and pizza crusts.
Benefits
Raw, vegan foods are abundant sources of dietary fiber, which may help prevent the accumulation of toxins in your joints that may contribute to inflammation. Some raw foods, such as garlic, onions and asparagus also provide sulfur, a mineral that may aid in the repair of bone, cartilage and connective tissue cells. Raw fruits and vegetables also provide a wealth of vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A, which are antioxidants that may help prevent cellular damage.
Foods to Avoid
Although a raw food diet may provide benefits for people with arthritis, you should avoid certain vegan foods known as nightshades. These foods include potatoes, cayenne peppers, tomatoes, jalapenos and eggplants. Nightshade vegetarbles contain a chemical called solanine, which may increase muscle and connective tissue inflammation. Consumption of nightshades may increase pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Considerations
Although some raw foods, such as broccoli and spinach, contain calcium, you may have difficulty obtaining sufficient calcium from a raw food diet to prevent bone degradation. Consider taking a calcium supplement if you adopt a raw food diet to address arthritis symptoms. A raw food diet may also cause a vitamin B-12 deficiency, which may cause nerve damage that increases arthritis pain. Take a B-complex supplement or a standalone vitamin B-12 supplement.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Dining in the Raw"; Rita Romano; 2003
- "The Raw Food Revolution Diet"; Cherie Soria; 2008
Member Comments