The term arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in one or more of your joints. Of the many kinds of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common, according to the Mayo Clinic. Regardless of the form you have, medications, appropriate exercise, joint braces and a healthy dietary lifestyle may help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian before making significant dietary changes.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body protect itself from infections and disease. Arthritis can make it difficult to plan and prepare healthy foods, according to the Arthritis Foundation, making it difficult to meet your nutrient needs. Keep your kitchen well-stocked with ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables. Purchasing prewashed and cut vegetable slices, fruit salad and prepared vegetable soups can also help. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in protective nutrients include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and bell peppers.
Legumes
Legumes, such as beans, lentils and split peas, provide rich amounts of fiber and protein. Fiber promotes fullness between meals, which may help prevent added joint strain caused by weight gain. People with rheumatoid arthritis have demonstrated reduced symptoms after switching from a meat-rich, Western-style diet to a plant-based diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Nutritious dishes based upon legumes include lentil soup, low-fat vegetarian chili, hummus and chilled bean salads.
Fatty Fish
The oil in fatty fish provides omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids promote positive heart health and brain function and may reduce inflammation linked with arthritis, according to the UMMC. For heightened benefits, choose baked, poached or broiled fatty fish over red, fried and processed meats, which can worsen inflammation. Fish particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, halibut, lake trout, flounder, herring and sardines.
Whole Grains
Replacing refined grains, such as white breads and cereals, with whole grains can improve your nutrient and fiber intake because whole grain contain all nutritious parts of the plant. Whole grains also reduce the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood, which often peaks during arthritis flareups, according to Arthritis Today Magazine, and can help lessen inflammation. Nutritious whole grain foods include oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, pearled barley and 100 percent whole grain breads, pasta and cereals.
Member Comments