A Variety Of Healthful Pantry Staples Fit Within An Arthritis
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
If you are what you eat, then it goes without saying that diet can affect your healthfor worse or for better. For decades, researchers have looked at diet in relation to health and well being. In particular, they have studied whether foods can impact arthritis treatment. Scientists have thought that dietary factors might trigger certain types of arthritis. Because of this, changing the foods you eat could have a strong impact on arthritis symptom relief.
A diet rich in plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans, as well as fish, is not only great for overall health but can also help manage arthritis symptoms. Things as simple as cherries and almonds or tuna and broccoli can be helpful.
Foods can have powerful impacts on health. Potential benefits of healthful eating include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic effects, strengthening bones, and boosting the immune system.
Foods That Can Relieve Your Joint Pain
If you have frequent joint pain, you can reduce your pain and inflammation by improving your diet. You may ask, What foods help with joint pain? Certain foods can help relieve joint pain caused by arthritis, inflammation and trauma. While you may not like all foods that nourish the joints, you should find at least one or two on this list that will help you reduce the pain in your joints.
Heres a list of foods that have active ingredients or compounds known to help relieve joint pain naturally.
I Heard That Pineapple Can Help Relieve Arthritis Pain Is This True
Pineapple contains a group of enzymes called bromelain, which has promising anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects.
Pineapple has indeed been studied as a treatment for arthritis. Pineapple also appears on ayurvedic sites and guides to eating in a healthy ayurvedic way. Bromelain appears in high amounts in the fruit core and stem, from which it is extracted for therapeutic doses.
Bromelain appears to work on both anti-inflammatory signalling molecules and pro-inflammatory signalling molecules to produce an overall anti-inflammatory effect. It also acts to decrease plasma bradykinin which helps to reduce blood vessel permeability and fluid, which reduces pain and swelling. It may be used as a safe and natural alternative to NSAIDs. Studies suggest bromelain has another anti-inflammatory effect by interrupting the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid present in high amounts in animal foods and is a precursor for molecules that play a role in inflammation, pain, and blood clotting. Interfering in the metabolism of this fatty acid leads to a reduction in those physiological effects of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
A 2004 review of clinical studies on bromelain as a treatment for osteoarthritis concluded that studies on the mechanism of action of bromelain were of poor quality and more research needs to be done on how this really works.
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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.
Juicing For Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease
Three pineapple juices should be taken daily so that they can counteract rheumatoid arthritis. The juices should be made immediately they are to be consumed and if its not possible to consume them immediately, then keeping them in a refrigerator could be the next option.
A lot of ice should be included to ensure that the juice is fully oxidized. Drinking plain pineapple juice is highly recommended for rheumatoid arthritis because it is overloaded with anti-inflammatory components. One should always consult a medical adviser for the right quantity to take.
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Can Interact With Certain Medications
The bromelain present in pineapple is great for our health as it provides a lot of benefits but it can also interact with some medications like antibiotics and anticonvulsants, causing trouble for some users. So, if you are on these medications then you should first consult with your doctor before eating this fruit.
Citrus Fruits’ Vitamin C Is An Important Ingredient In Tissue Repair
Citrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes, are rich in vitamin C. This dietary component is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which helps build and repair blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone, and is therefore helpful for people with osteoarthritis, Sandon says.
Citrus fruits are also good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, which are helpful for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
So start your day with a glass of orange juice, have half a grapefruit for a snack, and squeeze lime or lemon juice on foods when you’re cooking to take advantage of the healing power of citrus. Aim for a total vitamin C intake of 75 milligrams per day for adult women, and 90 mg per day for adult men, the current U.S. recommended dietary allowance. If you are pregnant, aim for 85 mg and if you are lactating, 120 mg.
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Ruth Asks This Morning Doctor About Milk Helping Arthritis
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High in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can neutralise free radicals that lead to inflammation a precursor to pain the refreshing juice you could benefit from sipping on is pineapple. Verified by the Arthritis Foundation, pineapple juice can help to reduce painful symptoms. The tangy juice contains the compound bromelain, which is said to have analgesic properties.
It Has Antioxidant Property
An increase in the oxidative stress leads to tissue damage which in turn causes inflammation.
Hence to prevent the progression of arthritis, it is important to have compounds in the body which balance the oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Pineapple has abundant vitamin C which imparts anti-oxidant properties and reduces inflammation in arthritis.
Pineapple is also abundant in phenolic compounds. Phenols are chemical compounds that have antioxidant properties and treat arthritis.
Hence the more phenolic compounds a pineapple will have, the better antioxidant effects it will present.
What does this mean? This means that pineapple is effective in decreasing the oxidative stress and hence reducing pain and swelling. This reduction in oxidative stress is because of the presence of vitamin C and phenols in pineapple.
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How To Use Pineapple For Gout
Adding pineapple to your daily diet may help prevent gout flare-ups and reduce the intensity of your gout symptoms. Aim for one serving of pineapple, which is equal to one cup of fresh pineapple chunks. Avoid sugary drinks containing pineapple, or pineapple desserts.
Pineapple is delicious when eaten fresh. It can also be added to salads and smoothies, among other dishes.
Nightshade Vegetables Cause Inflammation
Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers all contain the chemical solanine, which some blame for arthritis pain. However, the Arthritis Foundation say that there is no scientific evidence for this. Adding these nutritious vegetables to the diet can have many benefits for chronic health conditions.
There is evidence that certain foods and nutrients can improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. They do this by fighting inflammation, providing nutrition, and boosting bone, muscle, and immune system function.
People may also benefit from avoiding or restricting foods that contribute to inflammation.
Being overweight or obese places extra pressure on the joints, which can make the symptoms of osteoarthritis worse.
Eating a balanced diet rich in plants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory fats, such as those that the Mediterranean diet includes, can help people living with osteoarthritis to maintain a healthy weight.
This will help to ease symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
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How Much Bromelain Should You Take
There is no standard dose for bromelain. For swelling, some experts have recommended a range of 80 milligrams to 300 milligrams of extract taken two to three times daily. One or two 200-milligram bromelain tablets are used for knee pain. Ask your health care provider for advice.
Bromelain might work best when taken without food.
Canola And Olive Oils
Skip the vegetable oil or corn oil and reach for these two varieties, which have a good balance of the omega-3 and omega-6 acids, both of which are essential fatty acids. Studies have found that a component in olive oil called oleocanthal has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to be especially good for heart health, too, Dunn says.
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The 10 Best Foods To Eat If You Have Arthritis
If you have arthritis, you know just how devastating this condition can be.
Arthritis is a term for a class of diseases that cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It can affect people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.
There are many different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is one type, which develops in joints with overuse. Another type is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks your joints (
Fortunately, there are many foods that can ease inflammation and may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis.
In fact, one survey found that 24% of those with rheumatoid arthritis reported that their diet had an impact on the severity of their symptoms (
This article will look at 10 of the best foods to eat if you have arthritis.
Potential Risks Of Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juiceâs high nutrient content can cause health problems for people with certain medical conditions.
Talk to your doctor to find out if pineapple juice is a good addition to your diet. Consider the following before drinking pineapple juice:
Allergies
Some people are allergic to pineapple, which can cause a rash, hives, or breathing difficulties. Avoid pineapple juice if you experience these symptoms when eating pineapple.
Stomach Problems
High amounts of vitamin C can cause nausea, diarrhea, or heartburn. Likewise, bromelain can cause diarrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, or a skin rash if you consume too much.
Pineappleâs acidity may also increase heartburn symptoms in people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Toxicity
You should only drink pineapple juice made from ripened pineapple. Unripe pineapple can be toxic to humans and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Kidney Disease
People with kidney disease should speak to their doctor before drinking pineapple juice to ensure its potassium content is safe for their diet.
Tooth Decay
Pineapple juiceâs sugar and acid content can damage tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.
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Bromelain In Pineapple Acts As An Anti
Pineapple gets its anti-inflammatory properties because of the presence of the enzyme bromelain.
A study was published by Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences in which the mechanism by which bromelain exhibits its anti-inflammatory action was studied extensively.
Bromelain is able to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties because it exhibits various actions. Firstly, it increases fibrinolytic activity.
This means that it increases the breakdown of clots and improves the healing of wounds.
Wounds like leg and foot ulcers are symptoms of arthritis, so this increase in the fibrinolytic activity helps in healing the wounds faster.
People with arthritis experience damage in the tissues and inflammation.
Whenever there is an inflammatory disease, the fibrin gets deposited at the damage site which leads to the progression of the disease and pain.
Hence it is important to decrease the activity of fibrinogen in arthritis. Hence bromelain reduces the fibrinogen level and helps in treating arthritis.
Bromelain also reduces the level of bradykinin and prostaglandins which are inflammatory mediators. This reduces joint pain and swelling and prevents the progression of arthritis.
It portrays all these actions by modulation proteins that are located on the surface of the cells because these proteins play a role in the development of arthritis.
Foods For Fending Off Osteoarthritis Inflammation
During National Arthritis Month, we have discussed the symptoms of osteoarthritis and ways to help alleviate the pain. Did you know there are a number of foods that can reduce the inflammation and swelling that causes the pain associated with osteoarthritis? The Arthritis Research Institute of America recommends these foods to help decrease inflammation, improve joint flexibility and ease pain. Stock up on these superfoods your next trip to the supermarket!
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce joint pain and shorten the duration of morning stiffness.
Bananas and Plantains are high in magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Blueberries are full of antioxidants that protect your body against both inflammation and free radicalsmolecules that can damage cells and organs.
Green Tea has anti-inflammatory properties.
Orange Juice contains Vitamin C, which is important in the development of normal cartilage.
Tofu can reduce pain and swelling in chronic knee joint pain. Try it in a fruit smoothie!
Peanut Butter is rich in vitamin B3, a supplement that may help improve flexibility and reduce inflammation.
Whole Grain Breads and Cereals can alleviate morning stiffness and pain.
Lobster is a good source of vitamin E that may have a protective effect against knee osteoarthritis.
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Other Clues To A Juicy Pineapple
If you want the best pineapple of the bunch, you need to move past appearances. Also check:
- Aroma: Sniff the bottom of a pineapple before purchasing it. A good one will have a fresh, sweet smell, Zumpano says. Avoid ones that smell funky or vinegar-like or that have no smell at all.
- Firmness: A hard pineapple probably isnt ripe. It should have a little bit of give when you squeeze it, but make sure its not soft or mushy.
- Leaves: The leaves should look fresh and green, and plucking one should be easy.
- Weight: A pineapple should feel heavy for its size. That indicates that theres plenty of juice inside, Zumpano says.
Can Increase Blood Sugar Level
Pineapple is good for people suffering from diabetics as it helps in regulating blood sugar level but still, it is a fruit that contains a lot of natural sugar like sucrose and fructose. Although these are simple sugar they are not so good for diabetic patients when consumed in excess. Because of this reason, diabetic patients are advised to keep their pineapple intake limited to one to two servings per day.
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Our Orthopaedic Doctors Are Here To Help
Despite well-intended prevention efforts, sports injuries, joint pain in the back, knee, hip, spine and other parts of the body can occur. If you find yourself in need of expert orthopaedic care, were here to help.
Cary Orthopaedics provides comprehensive orthopaedic care. We have specialists for the treatment of all joints, as well as doctors who focus on joint replacements and spine care. We also offer the latest methods of physical therapy and acupuncture.
Our locations in Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville and Holly Springs are conveniently located to serve patients from across the Triangle.
Foods That Are Helpful In Relieving Joint Pain
If aching knees, hips, stiff shoulders, and other painful joints are something you experience on a regular basis, you are certainly not alone. According to research done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , over 14 million people in 2014 said they suffer from joint pain, commonly caused by inflammation in the body.
Remedies include weight management regular exercise, Chiropractic services, and supplements, but what you eat may also be helpful.
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May Boost Immunity And Suppress Inflammation
Pineapples have been a part of traditional medicine for centuries .
They contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes like bromelain that may collectively boost immunity and suppress inflammation .
One nine-week study fed 98 healthy children either no pineapple, some pineapple or lots of pineapple daily to see if it boosted their immunity.
Children who ate pineapples had a significantly lower risk of both viral and bacterial infections. Also, children who ate the most pineapple had close to four times more disease-fighting white blood cells than the other two groups .
Another study found that children with a sinus infection recovered significantly faster while taking a bromelain supplement, compared to a standard treatment or combination of the two .
Whats more, studies have shown that bromelain can reduce markers of inflammation (
Its believed that these anti-inflammatory properties aid the immune system.
Summary
Pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties that may boost the immune system.
It Is Effective In Reducing Pain
A study published in Phytomedicine in 2002 investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of bromelain.
At the end of the study period, it was seen that bromelain has a positive effect in reducing the acute knee pain, swelling, and stiffness.
It also improved the function of the joints which enhanced the overall physical and psychological well-being of the patients.
In another study by Majeeb and Borole in the International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences in 2015 evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of pineapple juice in arthritis in animal models.
In the control group, there was no reduction in swelling whereas in the treatment group that was given pineapple juice, a significant reduction in swelling was observed.
What does this mean? Bromelain found in pineapple is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and helps in reducing pain in arthritis. It can be used as a dietary supplement and replace the other anti-inflammatory drugs.
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