Decades of research has failed to produce concrete medical evidence linking arthritis symptoms to diet, according to Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. The absence of quantifiable studies leaves the scientific community at odds as to whether specific foods actually cause arthritis attacks. Instead of experimenting with untested arthritis diets, try a systematic elimination of suspected foods to determine which ones aggravate your symptoms. For the best results, follow your physician's treatment plan and adopt healthy eating habits.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Health website recommends cutting back on foods high in omega-6 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation. Balance your intake of omega-6 fatty acids with omega-3s in foods like cauliflower, tofu and shrimp. Omega-6 fatty acids occur naturally in meats, dairy, eggs and whole grains and are routinely added to extend the shelf life of products including oils, cereals, snack foods and baked goods.
Saturated Fat
A healthy diet benefits everyone, particularly those suffering from arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients may realize an improvement of symptoms by simply reducing saturated fat. Rheumatologist Marlyn Lorenzo, M.D. of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, warns that foods high in saturated fats can cause flare-ups in certain individuals. Try to limit saturated fats by consuming fewer eggs and fatty meats. Select lean, white meat as a healthier alternative to fatty red meats.
To further improve your diet, limit your consumption of margarine and cooking oils, including partially hydrogenated corn, peanut, safflower, soybean, cottonseed and sunflower, all of which contain cholesterol-inducing saturated fats. Opt for monounsaturated canola and olive oils for cooking. Also try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. David Rakel, M.D., Medical Director of UW Health Integrative Medicine advises consumers to shop the perimeter of the grocery store, taking advantage of fresh foods.
Alcohol
If you suffer from gouty arthritis attacks, you may want to eliminate alcoholic beverages from your diet. The University of Washington Othopaedics and Sports Medicine Department mentions alcohol as a contributing factor to abnormal uric acid levels in the body. The resulting crystal formation occurs in joints, causing pain and inflammation. In addition, excess uric acid may decrease the effectiveness of gout medication. Alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding and liver disease. Always speak to your doctor before mixing alcohol with any medication.
Other Possible Food Triggers
In 1989, a survey of patients conducted by Dava Sobel and Arthur Klein identified foods most associated with arthritis symptoms. Gluten, refined sugar, tomatoes, eggplant, citrus fruits, salt and caffeine were among some of the foods cited. Dairy products -- both whole and low-fat -- also rank as a major contributor of joint discomfort. Dairy protein may be the link to arthritis pain, based on a 1999 study published in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" that outlined the effects of a vegetarian diet on rheumatoid arthritis.
References
- Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: Arthritis and Nutrition
- WBAL-TV "The Woman's Doctor"; Avoid Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups; Deborah Weiner; June 13, 2011
- University of Washington: Connections Between Diet and Arthritis
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Foods and Arthritis
- "Arthritis: What Works"; Dava Sobel, et al., April 1992
