An anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis which can significantly reduce your pain!
Whether you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, you know that these conditions cause inflammation of the joints and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder for which there are pharmaceutical medications that slow the progression, but do not cure the condition. Osteoarthritis is a case of wear and tear on the joints, for which there are no medical treatments. Your doctor may prescribe pain medicines in both cases.
Now for the good news. If you follow an anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis, you can get significant relief from the daily pain. Let's take a look at what constitutes a pain relieving diet for arthritis.
Naturally occurring chemicals in certain foods can increase or decrease inflammation. For example, solanine is an alkaloid which can increase the inflammation and pain of arthritis. Nitrites, found in processed meats, can also increase inflammation and pain. On the other hand, quercitin, a plant chemical found in abundance in apples and red onions, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
The key to a good diet for arthritis sufferers is packing your diet with foods which are anti-inflammatory. Get plenty of fiber. Avoiding foods that increase inflammation, such as fatty meats and foods which contain saturated and trans fats, while including foods high in the Omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold water fish, rounds out your diet for arthritis pain relief. People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid foods high in sugar, such as sodas and candy, known to compromise immune system function. Simple as that.
Let's run through each component of a basic diet and identify the 'good' and 'bad' foods as it pertains to a diet for arthritis.
Fruits and veggies are good for you, right? Not necessarily, if you have arthritis. Here are the ones you want to eat in plentiful amounts: Spinach, broccoli, collards, kale, cabbage and parsnips are good anti-inflammatory veggies. As a rule of thumb, the dark green, leafy veggies and brightly colored ones, such as radishes, Spanish onions, hot peppers and red, orange and yellow sweet bell peppers can help reduce inflammation and pain. Ones to avoid include eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes, which all contain that inflammatory plant chemical, solanine.
As for fruits, you can pretty much take your pick. Pineapple, apples, peaches, bananas are all good additions to a diet for arthritis pain relief. Strawberries, cherries and blueberries are particularly good choices, being both anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants.
What types of meat are good additions for a diet for arthritis? Cold water fish, such as salmon, sea bass, halibut and sardines should form the backbone of your meat choices. These are powerfully anti-inflammatory, high in the Omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of low fat protein. Lean poultry is another good choice. Try using the very firm tofu as a meat substitute. Slice the tofu in strips, then soak it in chicken stock before cooking. It will taste like chicken, with a similar texture. Red meat? Not so good, due to the high fat content. If you enjoy red meat, it's best to stick with lean game meats, such as venison or bison, or very lean cuts of beef. Stay away from processed meats, such as hot dogs and ready-made frozen dinners. Avoid all deep-fried foods.
When choosing dairy products, go for the low fat milk products and cheeses. Soy milk is a terrific source of protein and the Omega-3s and, like the cold water fish, can reduce the inflammation and pain of arthritis.
What types of carbs are good inclusions in a diet for arthritis? Stick with whole grain breads, pasta and cereals. Choose brown or wild rice over white. Whole grains supply you with plenty of fiber, as do your fruits and veggies. A high fiber diet is also anti-inflammatory.
For the most part, use olive oil for cooking. In addition to being anti-inflammatory, it's good for your heart and circulatory system. For baked goods, canola oil is the best choice.
Drink plenty of water! If you're overweight, this diet for arthritis can help you shed those pounds as well.
If you have other health conditions, check with your doctor or a nutritionist to see if you should avoid any of these foods. Adhering to these guidelines for a diet for arthritis should reduce your pain and inflammation quite soon!
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