Roughly one in five Americans report doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of whom experience activity limitations as a result. While many forms of arthritis exist, joint pain and inflammation is a common thread among them. In addition to medical treatments, heat and ice therapy and appropriate exercise, a balanced diet that emphasizes particular foods and limits others may help reduce your symptoms.
Types
Your food choices may have a greater impact on your symptoms if you have gout, which is associated with high uric acid levels, or sprue -- a relatively rare form of arthritis caused by a wheat allergy. Research regarding the effects of particular foods on rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease, and osteoarthritis, which is caused by normal "wear and tear" of your joints, is less definitive. A diet that promotes a healthy body weight may help manage all forms of arthritis, however, because excessive pounds can add strain to your joints. An overall nutritious, balanced diet can help ensure that your body functions properly, according to University of Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, and supports your immune system's ability to resist and heal from illnesses that may interfere with your symptoms.
Helpful Foods
A plant-based diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, provides plentiful amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber, which promotes appetite control and positive heart-health. Although research is limited, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, switching from a meat-rich diet to a plant-based diet has reportedly reduced symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Plant-derived protein sources, such as beans and lentils, and low-fat dairy products, may help lower uric acid levels, leading to improved gout symptoms. Cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, flounder, halibut and sardines, ground flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil provide omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats that may help manage inflammation.
Problem Foods
Unless you have an allergy to a particular food, most foods suit an arthritis-friendly diet, when consumed in appropriate amounts. UWOSM recommends avoiding excessive fat and cholesterol intake, which can be accomplished by limiting fatty meats, high-fat dairy products and fried foods. Eating too many added sugars, such as cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, can lead to overeating and weight gain and leave little room in your diet for nutritious fare. Limit processed snacks, such as potato chips and pretzels, frozen meals and canned soups and vegetables, which are typically high in sodium. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in your arteries, which increases your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. A diet rich in sodium increases these risks. Limiting salt may also help reduce calcium loss from your bones, lowering your risk for fractures.
Food Preparation
The way you prepare foods can also influence arthritis symptoms. If pain and inflammation affect your wrists or hands, use appliances and utensils that reduce strain, such as a blender, electric can opener and an easy-grip vegetable peeler. When preparing time-intesive foods, take breaks to rest or move around your kitchen on a comfortable stool with wheels. From a nutritional standpoint, the UMMC recommends preparing foods using healthy oils, such as canola and olive oil, instead of butter, which is high in saturated fat and may increase inflammation. Preparing large batches of nutritious foods to freeze or refrigerate as leftovers provides a healthy, money-saving alternative to high-sodium prepared meals.
