Healthy Eating And Arthritis
Your body works best when you eat a wide range of healthy foods. Most people find that they feel better if they eat a balanced and varied diet to get all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients their body needs.
Try to eat a Mediterranean-style diet which includes fish, pulses, nuts, olive oil and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Eating a balanced diet and having an adequate fluid intake can also help provide you with better energy levels, help to maintain your weight, and give you a greater sense of wellbeing, which may improve your symptoms.
Always seek the advice of your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet. You may be restricting your food intake unnecessarily or taking too much of certain products that may have no impact on your condition at all. Some supplements may also interact with your medication.
They Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Weight
Pecans are a solid source of healthy fats and fiber, and they contain moderate amounts of protein, all of which can help you maintain a healthy weight. This combo of macronutrients makes pecans a great way to stay fuller longer and stabilize blood glucose levels, says Christina Meyer-Jax, MS, RDN, standard process nutrition chair and assistant professor at the College of Health and Wellness at Northwestern Health Sciences University. This is especially a great food for mid-afternoon or evening snacks when our cravings for sugary foods are higher.
Berries Apples And Pomegranates
Berries are rich in antioxidants and the Arthritis Foundation notes that blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and boysenberries all provide arthritis-fighting power. Youll get health benefits no matter if you eat them frozen, fresh or dehydrated , so be sure to eat a variety of berries throughout the week.
Apples are also high in antioxidants and a good source of fiber. Plus, they provide crunch and can help curb your appetite for unhealthy snacks, Dunn says.
Pomegranates, which are classified as berry fruits, are rich in tannins which can fight the inflammation of arthritis. Add these to a salad or stir into plain yogurt for some added benefits.
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Charred Sesame Pecan Green Beans
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 12 ounces trimmed fresh green beans
- 1/2 cup Millican pecans, chopped
This recipe is a quick and easy way you can integrate these high protein and nutrients food into your diet. An alternative way would be to head to https://millicanpecan.com and choose from a wide variety of our pecan products!
How To Add Pecans To Your Diet
When you find yourself craving a crunchy snack, reach for a handful of pecans instead of potato chips. Prep several snack-size baggies with 19 pecan halves apiece so they are ready to go the next time you are hungry. Keep one in your backpack or purse for a healthy snack on the go.
Pecans are naturally sweet and make a good replacement for candies when sugar cravings hit. Sub raw pecan pieces in for chocolate chips, mixing them into pancake, muffin, or cookie dough. Add some crunch and protein to salads, oatmeal, quinoa, or yogurt by topping them with raw pecan pieces.
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Pecans Boost The Bodys Immune System
Pecan nuts are a source of healthy fats and also quality protein, which is essential for boosting immunity. When you eat about a one-ounce serving of pecans, approximately 20 pecan halves, you get 2.6 g of protein, about 4 g of carbs. You also get many vitamins and minerals such as riboflavin, which is essential for the healthy growth of cells and function, and even vitamin A, which keeps the body free from common cold and flu. The fiber in pecans also cleans the gastrointestinal system, thus facilitating regular movements of the bowel. Pecans are a great source of manganese and copper .
Garlic And Root Vegetables
Garlic, onions, ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties. Various studies have shown that these pungent root vegetables can be useful in treating symptoms of arthritis and other joint pain. Incorporate these vegetables into meals for added flavor. Plus, theyre all available in a supplement.
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Foods High In Purines
For people who have gout, a doctor may advise a low purine diet combined with the medication.
Purines are substances in foods that the body converts to uric acid. Uric acid can build up in the bloodstream, causing a gout attack. According to the , the following foods are high in purines:
What a person eats can help:
Usually, inflammation protects the body from harm by helping defend against bacteria and aiding wound healing. However, when inflammation persists for an extended period, chronic symptoms can develop.
What a person eats has an impact on inflammation levels. Some foods are inflammatory, and others are anti-inflammatory.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, numerous studies show that anti-inflammatory foods can reduce arthritis pain and progression.
A persons body weight also influences inflammation levels. Fat cells produce cytokines, which are immune cells that increase inflammation.A person can use diet to maintain a moderate weight, which may help with inflammation and also reduce pressure on the joints.
Finally, some types of arthritis have specific trigger foods. For example, foods that are high in purines
Consuming the following foods may benefit people with arthritis.
Maintain A Moderate Weight
Having excess weight places pressure on the joints. In turn, this can make RA pain worse and prevent people from being active.
Losing just 1 pound of body weight will take 4 lb of pressure off the knee joints, for example.
The best way to lose weight and keep it off is by eating a healthful, balanced diet and exercising regularly.
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Best Nuts To Reduce Inflammation Says Science
What you eat can have a direct effect on your everyday healthespecially when it comes to inflammation. It’s important to keep inflammation levels low in order to prevent the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, autoimmune disease, and more. Even the smallest change to your diet can have a major impact on your healthsuch as sprinkling some nuts on top of your meal. In particular, these six nuts are known to be the best for reducing inflammation because of their anti-inflammatory biomarkers.
Here are the best nuts to reduce inflammation to stock up on next time you’re on a grocery run, and for even more helpful tips, grab these 6 Best Foods To Reduce Inflammation as You Age as well.
Which Nut Is Best For Nutrition
When it comes to nutrition, nuts are definitely a superfood. From a nutritional standpoint, most people tend to view all nuts as essentially the same. However,there aredistinct nutritional differences between almonds and walnuts. Other than the omega 3 fatty acids, for which70% ofpeopleare deficient, almonds come out on top for most other nutritional categories.
Fiber:Fiber is critical for gutand heart heath. When it comes to fiber, almondshave more than twice the amount of fiber than walnuts. Indeed, one serving of almonds has4grams of fiber which is 14% of the fiber you need for the day.Winner: Almonds
Protein:For protein, almonds again come out on top. A single serving will get you 6 grams of protein versus the 4 grams of protein in walnuts.Winner: Almonds
Omega 3s:Here is where walnuts really shine. Indeed, one serving of walnuts will get you 100% of your omega 3s for the day.Winner: Walnuts
Electrolytes:Electrolytes are important for proper heart function. In the electrolyte category, almonds again have the advantage. Each serving of almonds will get you 4% of the potassium, 16% of the magnesium, and 8% of the calcium you need for the day.Winner: Almonds
VitaminE:Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. When it comes to vitamin E, almonds are again the clear winner. One serving will get you 40% of the vitamin E you need for the day.Winner: Almonds
Nutritional Winner: Almonds
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Foods To Help With Your Arthritis
Arthritis is a common health condition that affects millions of Americans each year. Often, with age, the symptoms of arthritis seem to worsen.
The good news is that there are various medical and lifestyle changes that you can make in your daily life to reduce symptoms like pain and inflammation and live a more physically active, pain-free life.
At PVHC, we understand the debilitating pain that arthritis can cause. We are here to help you manage and mitigate symptoms by adding positive choices to your everyday life, including what you choose to include on your daily menu.
They Can Influence Your Mortality
While theyre full of nutrients and offer a trove of health benefits, pecans can also reduce your risk of dying. A 2013 study showed that people who ate nuts seven or more times a week had a 20% reduction in mortality. People who ate nuts five or six times a week had a 15% lower mortality, and eating them once a week lowered death rates by 11%.
Next, read about the best high-fiber foods to keep you feeling full.
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Reducing Inflammation And Preventing Damage
A balanced, nutritious diet will give the body the tools it needs to prevent further damage to the joints, which is essential for people with osteoarthritis.
Some foods are known to reduce inflammation in the body, and following an anti-inflammatory diet can improve symptoms. Eating enough antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, may help to prevent further damage to the joints.
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Why Eating Nuts Is Bad For Some Psoriasis Sufferers
In some people, psoriasis flare-ups may be caused or exacerbated by allergies or intolerances to specific foods, including tree nuts and peanuts. In fact, along with dairy, eggs and a few other foods, tree nuts and peanuts are among the most allergenic foods in the United States. If you have a true tree nut or peanut allergy, you are probably already aware of your condition as the symptoms are usually easy to identify and often severe however, if you are only mildly intolerant or sensitive to nuts, you might not be aware of the problem. A qualified health care professional, or in many cases a knowledgeable nutritionist, can help you identify food allergies and intolerances.
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Pecans Contribute To Your Overall Glowing Appearance
Not only do pecans do wonders for your complexion with all those antioxidants, but they also prevent anemia. Caused by an iron deficiency in the blood, anemia can be remedied by increasing foods high in iron and pecans are just that.
Additionally, they also provide L-arginine, an amino acid that can encourage the growth of healthy hair and also treat male pattern baldness by promoting blood flow to the head.
This post was originally published on March 28, 2022.
How Brazil Nuts Benefit In Osteoarthritis
Brazil nuts contain a high amount of fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Additionally, it carries a good amount of selenium.
Selenium is a micronutrient which is needed to control the level of free-radicals in the body.
As we know in patients with osteoarthritis, free radical production increases thus causing oxidative damage to the joint tissues and cartilage.
Thus selenium and anti-oxidants present in Brazil nuts help to scavenge these free radicals and control their production thereby preventing the body against further oxidation.
Some previous research has also shown links between improved arthritic conditions after selenium supplementation among patients with osteoarthritis.
Brazil nuts being a natural source of selenium could thus be even more beneficial owing to reduced ill effects.
Not much scientific studies have been performed to test the effect of Brazil nut consumption on patients with osteoarthritis.
However, the positive effect of selenium for the patients with arthritis cannot be denied.
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They Can Benefit Your Brain
Nuts aren’t just a healthy snack. Along with studying, playing mentally stimulating games, and other activities that help boost brain strength, eating a variety of nutsincluding pecanshas been proven to have an overall positive impact on brain cognition.
A study from The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging concluded that there is a link between the consumption of nuts, including pecans, and better overall mental cognition. The survey suggests that consuming just five servings of nuts per week can help boost your brain’s cognitive strength.
Pecans Pack High Antioxidant Levels
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A rich source of antioxidants, pecan halves prevent oxidative stress or an imbalance between free radicals in the body and their harmful effects. Oxidative stress becomes a factor in developing cancer and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, Chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression.
Researchers, in a study from Loma Linda University in California, pointed to pecans as vital in the body’s health because the fruit acutely increased antioxidants in the bloodstream within 24 hours of consuming the pecan tree nuts.
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They Can Help Guard Against Chronic Diseases
Along with being good for your blood pressure, pecans can help protect you against a number of chronic diseases. Thats because pecans contain high levels of flavonoids, which are phytonutrients found in plants, Meyer-Jax says. Eating flavonoid-rich foods can protect you from diseases, like diabetes, some cancers, cognitive decline, and more.
Pecans Provide More Than 19 Vitamins And Minerals
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The humble pecan is packed full of incredible nutritional gains including, but not limited to: vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, thiamin, and zinc.
And that’s not all, an ounce of pecans provides about 10 percent of your Daily Recommended fiber intake. They’re sodium-free naturally and contain natural protein to keep your body alert and moving.
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Breathe In Fragrant Spices
Pleasant aromas like lavender may alter the perception of pain. Japanese researchers found that lavender reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can make you feel relaxed and less aware of pain. But lavender isnt the only pleasant aroma that works as a natural home remedy for arthritis pain relief. Korean researchers found that arthritis patients experienced less pain and were less depressed when they were exposed to the aromas of a variety of kitchen spices, including marjoram, rosemary, and peppermint. For a pain-soothing aromatherapy treatment, add a teaspoon of one of these dried herbs to a quarter-cup of olive, coconut, or vegetable oil. Take a whiff periodically.
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Eating Pecans May Help Prevent Arthritis
One of the more negative sides to aging is that many people develop arthritis, which is the swelling and tenderness in joints. Eternal youth is one way to stave off the onset of arthritis, but a more realistic option is eating pecans, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. The heart-healthy nutrients are found in many nuts, including pecans.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
According to a study from Asclepeion Hospital in Greece, omega-3 fatty acids have a significant impact on health, including on arthritis. In addition to that, omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to help decrease inflammation by modulating the autoimmune inflammatory response.
For a delicious, salty snack that can satisfy your pecan craving, check out our Seasoned Nut Mix recipe.
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Food As Treatment For Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms can include joint swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Some forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, are inflammatory diseasescaused by inflammation in the body that affects the joints and other systems. Others, like osteoarthritis, are the causes of inflammation, particularly in the joints.
Either way, managing and reducing inflammation is essential to reducing pain, stiffness, and swelling for both types of conditions. Inflammation associated with arthritis is often targeted by medications with the aim to help improve symptoms and decrease pain. Certain foods also have inflammatory properties, making them a powerful complementary treatment for arthritis.
Researchers have found that the Mediterranean diet may provide benefits in reducing pain and swollen and tender joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients. One study looked at adherence to the Mediterranean diet and pain associated with osteoarthritis. It concluded that, within the study group of 4330 subjects, a lower risk of osteoarthritis symptoms and pain was associated with those who followed a Mediterranean diet pattern.
Other studies have looked at a general anti-inflammatory diet and its impact on arthritis. One research trial saw a positive effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on disease activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Which Nut Is Best For Blood Pressure Cholesterol And Diabetes
Unfortunately,most adults in the U.S.have either high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes/pre-diabetes. While these conditions often dont cause symptoms now, they are ticking time bombs for your health. Do nuts also prevent these problems?
When it comes to high blood pressure, nutsareextremely beneficial. For example, in thePREDIMED Study, almonds and walnuts decreased systolic blood pressure by 7 points. This beneficial effect was reported to be due to the nitric oxide effect of nuts which relaxes arteries and normalizes blood pressure.
For cholesterol it is a similar story. Studies showthat nuts decrease bad cholesterol , raise good cholesterol , and lower triglycerides. The perfect combination.
Nuts also work magic in preventing and reversing diabetes. Indeed, if everyone ate nuts, diabetescould be reduced by 39%.
In trying to determine which nut is best for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, I could not find a clear winner. Both seemed to be equally effective.
Winner: Tie
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