According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, arthritis is a disease which affects millions of Americans. Experts at the organization state that arthritis causes pain and swelling of the joints which can sometimes affect a person's everyday activities and even cause them to be unable to work. While there are many different types of medications used in treating arthritis, diet may also be effective in treating the condition.
Fish
Fish and fish oil may help to reduce inflammation in the joints associated with arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine states that the reason fish may help decrease the effects of arthritis is because of the polyunsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. These unsaturated fats can help to coat the joints and reduce swelling and pain.
Brown Rice
Dr. Neil Barnard, president of the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine states that brown rice is a food which does not cause pain for arthritics. This is because brown rice is very low in fat and does not metabolize quickly in the body or raise blood sugar levels quickly. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine states that brown rice can help to prevent arthritis and ease pain from arthritis as well.
Beef
Foods high in fat, like beef, are worsen the inflammation and pain from arthritis, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. The organization explains that a correlation has been found between all meat products (except fish) and the worsening of arthritic symptoms, though it is not known exactly why this is the case. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine recommends that people who suffer from arthritis choose plant sources of protein like tofu and soy foods rather than meat like beef.
Eggplant
Though vegetables are healthy and low in fat, a survey done by the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine found nightshade plants, including eggplants, tomatoes and potatoes, to be one of the leading triggers for pain and inflammation of arthritis. Nightshade vegetables like eggplants are thought to promote inflammation, which is a key problem already present in people with arthritis.
Milk
Milk is one of the worst things for a person who has arthritis to drink, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. Experts at the organization explain that the protein found in dairy leads to increased joint pain and swelling for people with arthritis. Therefore, whether it is whole milk, low-fat or skim milk, the effects are the same on arthritis.
