Health advice: modifying your diet to help relieve arthritis pain

If you have arthritis you are probably aware that this condition is a debilitating disease, especially for chronic sufferers. There are two kinds of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is a degenerative condition that causes extreme discomfort and stiffness in the joins. This type of arthritis is usually a result of aging, wear and tear over the years, or malnutrition that results in weak bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes joints to enlarge. This results in a moderate to high degree of constant discomfort and or pain. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not completely known, however some doctors link it to exposure to Lyme disease at an early age. The high prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis may also be connected to the high-fat, high-cholesterol diet so many countries eat today. This hypothesis holds credence in the medical world since places such as the United States, Western Europe, Canada, Australian, and New Zealand that have diets high in rich food are world leaders in rheumatoid arthritis statistics.

While many people battling arthritis take medication to relive their pain, there is evidence that suggests following a strict diet can reduce inflammation and associated discomfort. Much like other diseases, there are certain foods that may trigger arthritic symptoms. Foods that contain animal protein and high levels of oil and fat have been linked to agitated joints and increased pain. In some research participants it was found that foods such as corn, citrus fruits, and wheats were the main culinary culprits. Since doctors and other in the medical field often carry opposing ideas as to what foods aggravate arthritic conditions it is best to stick to a diet and to take note of which foods affect you, personally, the most. Set aside a notebook for jotting down notes about the way your body feels after you have consumed certain foods. You may find that foods you are “arthritically allergic” to may differ from those that affect another person with arthritis negatively. While each person has a different palette of ill-effecting foods, here are some general foods that have been linked to inflamed joints and aggravated arthritis conditions and a few that are said to improve health.

It is a good idea to stay away from foods that have high levels of fats and cholesterols. Not only are these foods considered arthritic triggers, but it has been shown that, in general, excess body weight puts added stress on the bones and joints. Food that is high in fat content is likely to add extra weight to your body so it is best to keep an eye on the food content label when you grocery shop.

Calcium inhibitors such as red meat, dairy, eggs, chicken, alcohol, coffee, refined sugar, excess salt are foods that have been linked to increased pain in arthritic sufferers. Foods high in oxalic acid such as rhubarb, cranberries, plums, spinach, and chard also have shown negative affects. Almost across the board have the Nightshade family of foods— tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, potatoes, tobacco—shown to produce increased pain or inflammation spells.

Foods that are good for people with arthritis are avocados, pecans, potassium broth, soy products, salmon, sardines, herring, and barely products. Vegetarian diet is recommended for people serious about seeking relief through a diet. Drinking at least six glasses of water a day will flush out the toxins floating around in your body; toxins that may trigger pain. Changing your diet is a commitment and a challenge, however, if you suffer from arthritis it may be the answer to relieving, or at least lessening pain.