Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. With degenerative arthritis, cartilage in the body deteriorates over time eventually leaving you with painful joints and no protection between bones. According to the Mayo Clinic, degenerative arthritis worsens over time and no cure for the condition exists. Although most research focuses on rheumatoid arthritis, the same foods should be avoided to reduce the painful inflammation associated with all types of arthritis.
Meat
Research has suggested that a diet high in meat, particularly red meat, may increase the inflammation found in joints. A study published in "Rheumatology" found that a diet that includes such meats leads to an increase in certain antibodies associated with inflammation. The research specifically investigated a vegan diet on rheumatoid arthritis, however other signs suggest that meat can worsen osteoarthritis as well by increasing cholesterol levels. Another study published in "Saudi Medical Journal" found a correlation between high cholesterol levels and osteoarthritis leading some researchers to conclude that cholesterol found in meat can trigger or worsen degenerative arthritis.
Gluten
Gluten is a type of protein found in most grains. Some people are more sensitive to gluten and experience allergic-type reactions to the ingredient. Gluten has been specifically linked to triggering symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a study published in "Arthritis Research & Therapy," researchers found that participants who ate a gluten-free vegan diet had more antibodies that protect against inflammation. Although no research has specifically linked gluten consumption to degenerative arthritis, some doctors suggest that gluten can trigger inflammation in other types of arthritis as well. (http://www.ultrametabolismbook.com/docs/arthritis.pdf)
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Arachidonic acid, a specific polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, plays a central role in inflammation. Most omega-6 fatty acids in the diet come from vegetable oils. A study published in the "Journal of the American Veterinary Association" found that dogs with osteoarthritis had improved mobility with more omega-3 fatty acids and less arachidonic acid in their diet after 24 weeks. It is unclear if the increase in omega-3 fish oils help with the symptoms of degenerative arthritis or if the reduction of arachidonic acid played a larger role.
Other Foods to Avoid
Although limited research links other foods to degenerative arthritis, holistic doctors such as Dr. Mark Hymen, editor in chief of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, suggest avoiding other types of food. Specifically, Dr. Hymen recommends staying away from dairy, alcohol and processed foods if you have degenerative arthritis. Food sensitivities may also be related to arthritis. Common food sensitivities include peanuts, soy, eggs and yeast. Nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes and eggplants, may also trigger inflammation in some people.
References
- MayoClinic.com; "Osteoarthritis"; November 2010
- "Rheumatology"; A Vegan Diet Free of Gluten Improves the Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Effects on Arthritis Correlate with a Reduction in Antibodies to Food Antigens; L. Hafström, et al.; October 2001
- "Saudi Medical Journal" ; Radiographic Osteoarthritis and Serum Cholesterol; Abdurhman S. Al-Arfaj; April 2003
- "Arthritis Research & Therapy"; Gluten-Free Vegan Diet Induces Decreased LDL and Oxidized LDL Levels and Raised Atheroprotective Natural Antibodies Against Phosphorylcholine in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis; A Randomized Study; Ann-Charlotte Elkan, et al.; March 2008
- Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss; Mark Hyman
- "Journal of the American Veterinary Association"; Multicenter Veterinary Practice Assessment of the Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Osteoarthritis in Dogs; J.K. Roush, et al.; January 2010
