The Correct Diet for Arthritis
The Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 40 million Americans are
Arthritis patients. As the most prominent reason for disability in the
USA, Arthritis costs the US economy a hefty $130 billion each year.
There are plenty of factors that can cause arthritis. Genetics is one
important factor. Age is another, as is obesity. You can also be
affected by any previous injuries that you might have, infections or
illnesses. High impact sports can also be a cause for arthritis.
Inflammation and arthritis go together. Inflammation is a sign that
your body is trying to cope with injuries of some sort, when cytokines
are produced. When too much of cytokines are produced by the body,
inflammation is the result. There are certain foods that stimulate the
production of cytokines. It follows that eliminating these foods from
your diet can help you deal with arthritis much better.
Any foods containing phytochemicals, such as color-rich vegetables and
fruits, help battle the inflammatory condition in Arthritis. Fruits
containing lots of vitamin C are ideal for daily consumption and these
include apples, cantaloupe, melon, strawberries, mango, raspberries,
blackberries and kiwi.
Vegetables are another important source of vitamin C, and also of
vitamin A. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, spinach, sweet
potatoes, squash, kale and collard greens should figure prominently in
the diet of people who suffer from arthritis.
Consume foods or use dietary supplements that are rich in Omega-3
essential fatty acids. These include certain types of fish such as
herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and trout. Unfortunately much of
the world's fish supply is contaminated with high levels of mercury. It
is recommended that you limit fish consumption 4-ounce portions,
consumed 2-3 times per week.
If you're lucky, you might be able to locate mercury-free fish. Try
typing in "mercury-free fish resources" at your favorite search engine.
Additionally, you can search for mercury-free fish oil supplements.
Nuts and seeds are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Choose
unsalted nuts and seeds and avoid dry roasted altogether. Twelve
almonds can provide you with the recommended daily allowance of Omega-3
EFAs. Brazil nuts and walnuts are good choices; as well as sunflower,
linseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Your daily diet must include whole grains, lentils, brown rice, chick
peas and other high protein food varieties, while processed foods must
be avoided as much as possible. Try including quinoa (pronounced
"kinwa"), known as the "mother of all grains."
Some grains should be avoided, because they contain gluten - wheat,
barley, rye and oats, for example. Gluten is something everybody with
arthritis should stay away from because it causes inflammation. Corn
and wheat can also adversely affect people with both Celiac disease and
Rheumatoid Arthritis.
There are some other food items that you have to stay away from, as
well, to avoid inflammation and to avoid aggravating arthritis. These
include red meat, dairy products, sugar, honey and artificial
sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine, flour, dry roasted nuts, Monosodium
Glutamate and nightshade plants.
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