Nearly 21 million Americans have a form of arthritis, a chronic disease characterized by joint inflammation and pain. Although no known cure exists, medications, ice packs and lifestyle changes, such as appropriate exercise and a healthy diet, may help reduce your symptoms or prevent them from worsening. Managing food sensitivities may also play a valuable role in your symptoms or overall health. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Theories
Some people believe that food sensitivities contribute trigger or worsen inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Food sensitivities do not involve the immune system and typically cause less severe symptoms than food allergies. They are also more common than allergies. Relatively common food sensitivity culprits include lactose, which is a sugar that occurs naturally in cow's milk, and gluten, a storage protein in wheat, barley and rye. Although scientific evidence is lacking, nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes and peppers, are also believed to worsen arthritis symptoms in some people.
Evidence
Although numerous theories regarding particular foods that aggravate arthritis symptoms exist, none has been sufficiently proven. Still, many people with rheumatoid arthritis report experiencing fewer symptoms after suspected problem foods are eliminated. In a study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology" in August 2010, the self-reported adverse reactions to foods of 347 adults with rheumatoid arthritis were analyzed and compared with physical evidence of food sensitivities. Twenty-seven percent of the participants reported food sensitivities, particularly to gluten, cow's milk and meat. Of these participants, 27 percent had high levels of mucus -- a strong medical indicator of a sensitivity. No link was determined between self-reported sensitivities and medically proven symptoms. Researchers concluded that people with rheumatoid arthritis frequently report food sensitivities and that a mucous reaction to gluten and cow's milk affects a small portion of people with the disease.
Diagnosis
One way to determine whether you have a food allergy or sensitivity is an elimination diet, in which suspected problem foods are restricted from your diet. If your arthritic symptoms improve during elimination and reappear or worsen upon reintroduction, you may have a sensitivity. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, recommends keeping a detailed food diary during the diet and seeking supervision from your doctor for best results. If you suspect an allergy, seek proper testing from your doctor. If you feel significantly better when a certain food is absent from your diet, you may choose to continue avoiding it without a medical diagnosis. Keep in mind that proper dietary planning is key, particularly if you eliminate nutritious foods. If you go from regularly consuming to avoiding dairy products, for example, consuming alternate sources of calcium and vitamin D, such as soy products and fish, are key.
Other Dietary Factors
Whether you have a food sensitivity or not, maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet is important for your overall wellness and, potentially, improving arthritis symptoms. If you have gout, for example, restricting high-purine foods, which can lead to high uric acid levels and heightened risk for symptom flareups, is important. Foods rich in purines include organ meats, red meat and fatty fish. Switching from a Western-style diet, rich in high-fat meats, dairy products and refined foods, to a plant-based diet has helped reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in some people, according to the UMMC. Consume fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, for strengthened immune function and appetite control. Maintaining a healthy body weight can help prevent joint strain caused by excess pounds. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, herring and halibut as well as ground flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis
- MayoClinic.com: Food Allergy Vs. Intolerance
- University of Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine: Diet and Arthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology"; Self-Feported Food Intolerance and Mucosal Reactivity After Rectal Food Protein Challenge in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; Aug. 2010
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