Arthritis is a painful condition involving chronic joint pain. Medications can help to alleviate the symptoms but there is no cure for arthritis. There are many different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis and gout. A special type of diet which is low in protein may relieve some arthritic symptoms.
Meats
Meats such as beef, chicken, turkey and fish are very high in protein. A high protein diet, which includes frequent intake of meat, may increase the likelihood of a person developing some type of arthritis such as gout, or may worsen the symptoms (see Reference 1). A diet for people who have been diagnosed with arthritis should limit meat intake.
Low-fat Dairy
Low-fat dairy products may actually decrease arthritis pain---even though they contain protein---when used in place of higher protein meats and seafood (see Reference 2). Low-fat dairy products such as 1 percent milk, low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese and low-fat cottage, cheese can be consumed three to four times per day as part of the arthritis diet.
Protein bars and shakes
Protein bars and shakes are discouraged on the low-protein diet for arthritis because they are specifically designed to be high in protein and to have many different amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Eating protein bars and drinking protein shakes may make joint pain worse for arthritics.
Fruits
Fruits are low in protein, so they can be eaten frequently on the arthritis low-protein diet. Apples, bananas, oranges, berries and any other fruit make great snacks for the arthritis diet. Fruits also have antioxidants, which may protect the body from some cellular damage caused by the inflammation of arthritis.
Vegetables
Most vegetables are low in protein, which is good for the arthritis diet. However, some vegetables are high in purines, a substance which can worsen arthritis pain. The vegetables highest in purines (which are limited on the arthritis low-protein diet) include peas, beans, mushrooms and spinach (see Reference 2).
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