What to Eat and NOT, If
You Have Arthritis
1- Eat more omega 3
fatty acids. Studies suggest that
you need to get 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day. Eating fish twice a
week is a good habit to get into because it is full of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic
which are two very potent anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids. Fatty fish
such as salmon, trout, and tuna are good sources for these acids.
2- Include more
fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Antioxidants found in
many fruits and vegetables may protect against tissue damage around the joints.
The brighter fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach, and peppers
have more antioxidants.
3- Cut back on
foods that are high in saturated fats such as red meat, cheese and ice cream. Saturated fats
can increase prostaglandin E2 which contributes to
inflammation.
4- Avoid nightshade
plants such as eggplant,
tomatoes and potatoes. Those with arthritis, tend to be extra-sensitive to
nightshade plants. Eliminating them from their diet may bring relief.
Nightshades contain high levels of alkaloids which cause the bones to excrete
various minerals from the body.
5- Consume more
calcium and vitamin D. The lack of calcium can cause bone loss, muscle cramping and
hypertension. Inflammatory arthritis tends to accelerate bone loss, and calcium
needs vitamin D present in order to work correctly. Several studies suggest
that adequate vitamin D intake may decrease the risk of autoimmune diseases
such as
Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Is Your Joint Pain
Arthritis?
•➢ Have you had pain or
stiffness in your joints for three or more days in a week in the last month?
•➢Have you experienced
pain in a joint with a history of injury?
•➢ Do your joints feel
stiff, especially after you haven’t moved for an extended period of time, such
as first thing in the morning?
•➢ Have you had swelling
in your joints for three or more days in a week in the last month? If you
answered yes to even one of the above questions, you may be experiencing
symptoms of arthritis. Speak with your health care professional to discuss
diagnosis and treatment options.
