Foods to Help Cope With Arthritis
One in every five Americans has arthritis. Foods that have trans fat, saturated fat, simple refined fat and carbohydrates make the inflammation of arthritis worse. If you are overweight, that extra weight will put unwanted stress on the joints. The extra fat is believed to also send out hormones and chemicals that will increase the inflammation process. To help relieve the stress and pressure of arthritis, it is recommended that you eat healthy and stay in good physical shape.
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Antioxidants and Spices
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Curcumin is a spice commonly found in Asia, and there are various claims it helps arthritis by suppressing the inflammatory chemical TNF found in the human body.
To reduce inflammation, add anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins to your diet. You can find these two antioxidants in most fruits such as strawberries, elderberries, cherries and plums and also in eggplant.
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Beta-Carotene
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Beta-carotene is another antioxidant nutrient that can help to reduce inflammation. Try to keep the following foods in your diet: pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet red pepper and spinach.
Foods with Vitamin C
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Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and help ease the pain of arthritis. Some forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, are closely connected to the immune system.
There are many sources of vitamin C, including vitamin C pills or capsules. But the most common way of receiving it is via your diet, including oranges, mangoes, strawberries, pineapple, guavas, mustard greens, kidney beans and kale.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
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Much of arthritis pain is caused by inflammation, and a study done at the Philadelphia University of the Sciences found that extra-virgin olive oil naturally contains an anti-inflammatory agent. Olive oil can be used for sauteed foods and in salad dressings, among many other things.
Omega-3
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Omega-3 is the best fatty acid for people with arthritis. Fish is a good source of omega-3--sockeye or chinook salmon are known for having the highest amount. Other fish that contain a high amount of this fatty acid: Atlantic/Pacific mackerel and herring. Shrimp is also high in omega-3 oils. For vegetarians, unsalted walnuts, flax seeds and flaxseed oil are great sources of omega-3.
Consult With Your Doctor
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Always consult a licensed physician before beginning a diet regimen. While many people claim these foods help the pain, there are no scientifically reliable studies to prove or disprove this. This list should not be treated as a replacement for your doctor. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before consuming any foods, liquids or vitamins you believe may help or conflict with your medical condition.
References
- Photo Credit "Oranges in The Borough market. London" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: maesejose (José Luis Sánchez Mesa) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
