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.
Vitamin C Is Important For Tissue Repair
Vitamin C is a dietary component 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.
Aim for a total vitamin C intake of 75 milligrams per day for women, and 90 mg per day for men, the current U.S. recommended dietary allowance. If youre pregnant, aim for 85 mg and if youre lactating, 120 mg.
Citrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes, are rich in vitamin C, and are also good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, which are beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Citrus, however, may interfere with the bodys ability to process certain RA medications, such as oral cyclosporine and possibly methotrexate. Research has shown that regular consumption of grapefruit juice blocks the protein known as CYP3A4 that helps the body metabolize cyclosporine other research has suggested that other citrus juices, like those made from Seville oranges, limes, and pomelos, may also affect how CYP3A4 works in the body.
If youre taking meds that can be affected by citrus, you may need to get vitamin C from other sources such as tomatoes, peppers, melons, strawberries, kiwi, or potatoes, Sandon suggests. A half cup of cooked broccoli, for example, has over half of the recommended vitamin C daily value.
Malnutrition In Ra Patients
Patients with RA are often at a higher risk of malnutrition for multiple reasons. First of all, weight loss is a common symptom in RA patients. Its thought to be due to the autoimmune condition itself producing inflammatory responses which cause an increase in metabolic rate. This means that the body burns through more calories than normal, which can lead to weight loss. This is not considered healthy weight loss. This type of weight loss can potentially leave the patient undernourished or malnourished.
Secondly, many patients taking the common disease-modifying antirheumatic drug called methotrexate, have been known to have a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals. Many RA medications produce side effects such as stomach ulcers and other digestive concerns which can make it difficult to eat. These conditions combined with weight loss further compound the problems of malnourishment in patients. Some of the most common nutrient deficiencies in RA include a lack of the following vitamins and minerals:
A proper diet for RA that is rich in these vitamins and minerals is important for keeping patients healthy.
Finally, many RA patients are at risk of developing osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones caused by a calcium or vitamin D deficiency. RA patients should be aware of this potential risk and ensure their diet accounts for this potential deficiency.
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Is Guava Fruit Good For Arthritis
Ellagic acid is a polyphenolic component of the compound, which inhibit the activity of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 5 , which is associated with aggrecan degeneration in the early stages of osteoarthritis .
Because of the role of aggrecan degeneration in osteoarthritis, a thrombospondin type 5 inhibition inhibition effect is associated with guava leaf extract and ellagic acid. Rats that had ACLT had higher Mankins scores than rats who had control diets, according to a study. According to these findings, dietary guava leaf extract may slow down the progression of knee osteoarthritis in ACLT rats by inhibition of early joint damage throughellagic acid. The guava tree is a member of the Myrtaceae family and grows in arid and subtropical zones. In folk medicine, guava leaves, roots, and fruits have been used as antibacterial, antihyperglycemia, and antiinflammatory agents. We used a rat model of anterior cruciate ligament to demonstrate the suppressive effects of guava leaf extract on osteoarthritis. Male Sprague Dawley rats were obtained from the Tohoku region of Japan SLC .
Best Foods For Arthritis
Find out the 12 best foods to fight inflammation and boost your immune system to ease arthritis.
1. 12 Best Foods for Arthritis
2. Fuel Up on Fish
Great for:
3. Step Up to Soy
Great for:
4. Opt for Oils
Great for:
5. Check Out Cherries
Great for:
6. Dont Ditch the Dairy
Great for:
7. Bet on Broccoli
Great for:
8. Go Green With Tea
Great for:
9. Suck on Some Citrus
Great for:
10. Go With the Grain
Great for:
11. Break Out the Beans
Great for:
12. Grab Some Garlic
Great for:
13. Nosh on Nuts
Great for:
Get Expert Advice
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Whole Grains May Help You Lose Weight And Lessen Pain
Much has been made of the health benefits of whole grains, and for good reason, Sandon says. Whole grains are simply grains that still have all three parts of the original grain: the bran , endosperm, and germ.
Whole grains are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium, and magnesium than refined grains. In addition, a diet rich in whole grains has also been linked to better weight control, which can help reduce pain and symptoms of RA.
So, switch from white bread to whole wheat, and from regular pasta to whole grain, Sandon says. Caution: When buying whole wheat bread, dont be misled by the label. It should read 100 percent whole wheat or have the Whole Grain Stamp from the Oldways Whole Grain Council. Also add other whole grains to your menu, like a bowl of oatmeal in the morning or a bulgur salad at night.
When To Seek A Doctors Advice
Although eating and drinking anti-inflammatory foods can help ease your daily arthritis pain, if you are experiencing prolonged joint pain or think you may have degenerative joint issues, dont delay in seeing your orthopaedist. We provide comprehensive orthopaedic and spine care at locations across Wake County. Our orthopaedic specialists can recommend the best course of treatment. Contact us to book an appointment.
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Watermelon Lowers The Risk Of Acquiring Arthritis
Watermelon is one such fruit that can substantially lower the risk of acquiring Arthritis if consumed on a regular basis. It is rich in Carotenoid Beta-Cryptoxanthin which makes it a must-have for people who suffer from this disease. It also contains Lycopene which has cancer prevention properties and also improves heart health. 92% of watermelon contains water which makes it ideal for hydration thereby helping in weight management. One cup of watermelon every day gives you the required and recommended dosage of Vitamin A and C.
Beverages To Ease Arthritis Pain
Remember the saying You are what you eat? Well, turns out you are what you drink, too! When we think of nutrition, we often think only of solid foods. But what you drink is a large part of what we put into our bodies and should be considered as part of our overall nutrition. Making healthy beverage choices is equally as important as choosing healthy foods.
What you eat and drink is passed on as information to your bodys organs and can have an adverse effect on how you feel. Consuming sugary drinks such as soda can negatively affect your bodys ability to absorb calcium. Instead, try these drinks. Besides being healthy choices, you may very well find them to help relieve arthritis pain!
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Citrus Fruits Cause Inflammation
Some people believe that they should avoid citrus fruits because the acidity is inflammatory. However, this is not the case. In fact, citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Grapefruit juice can, however, interact with some medicines that doctors use to treat arthritis. People who are undergoing treatment should check with a doctor before incorporating it into their diet.
Antioxidants Which Help Quell Inflammation Are Plentiful In Fruits And Other Food Sources
The most troubling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis pain, stiffness, and swelling stem from the same source: inflammation. What to do? Part of the answer may involve your diet.
Findings from a study published in April 2021 in Arthritis Research & Therapy, showed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis had significantly more pro-inflammatory diets, and those individuals with RA who were able to lower diet-associated inflammation between 2011 and 2017 were also able to maintain low disease activity. That particular result was extraordinarily strong and consistent as indicated by more than 3.5 times greater odds of maintaining good control over the disease compared with those who did not adopt a more anti-inflammatory diet, said study coauthor James R. Hébert, MSPH, ScD, Health Sciences Distinguished Professor and director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
Even more important, since the study was conducted over a number of years, it shows that the beneficial effect of a low inflammatory diet is long-term. Because such a diet can be extraordinarily diverse and sensually pleasing, it can be very easy to maintain over very long periods of time, added Hébert, via email.
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Best And Worst Foods For Arthritis In Seniors
Besides osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, many other diseases can affect the joints, including Lyme disease, lupus, Sjogren disease, etc. Despite the different types of arthritis in seniors, they all cause similar symptoms. These include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The intensity of the symptoms may vary from day to day, making it frustrating to live with. But in addition to exercises and other targeted treatments, you can eat to relieve symptoms and live your best life. What are the best foods for arthritis? And which are the worst?
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Best Beverages For Arthritis
Theres an old saying you are what you eat. But what you drink can have an enormous effect on your body and health too.
People dont put enough thought into what theyre drinking, says Sonya Angelone, a nutritionist in private practice in the San Francisco area and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. What you eat and drink is information to your body and if you are drinking well, it can definitely affect how you feel and the messages your body is getting.
Angelone recommends starting every day with a glass of water before you eat any food, since many people wake up a bit dehydrated. She says you want to stick primarily with water the rest of the day too. The typical recommendation is eight glasses a day.
In general, nutritionists advise you to avoid soda since its full of sugar, aspartame and phosphoric acid. The latter negatively affects your bodys ability to absorb calcium.
But what should you be drinking?
Tea
Tea is one of the most-studied drinks when it comes to its benefits for arthritis patients. Green, black and white teas are all rich in polyphenols compounds from plants that have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Coffee
Research shows coffee also has antioxidant polyphenols. That means coffee can help fight free radicals in the body, which cause cell damage. Other research suggests coffee may have a protective effect against gout as well.
Milk
Juices
Smoothies
Alcohol
Water
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What Fruit Is Not Good For Arthritis
If you enjoy eating grapefruit, you should consult with your doctor before taking any medication. Certain medications, such as cholesterol medications, high blood pressure medications, infections, and heart problems, may interact with this breakfast staple. Citrus fruits have no relation to arthritis pain, according to research.
Best Fish For Arthritis
Adding more marine life to your meals could help calm inflammation
Arthritis is for the most part a disease of inflammation. When your joints swell, turn red and feel warm to the touch, what youre witnessing and feeling are inflammatory processes in motion.
One way to calm inflammation is with medicine your doctor prescribes. Another way is to add a few key anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. Among the most potent edible inflammation fighters are essential fatty acids called omega-3s particularly the kinds of fatty acids found in fish.
Omega-3s and Inflammation
Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are called marine fatty acids because they come from fish. What makes these omega-3 sources worthwhile menu additions for people with arthritis is their ability to inhibit inflammation. Omega-3s interfere with immune cells called leukocytes and enzymes known as cytokines, which are both key players in the bodys inflammatory response.
The marine omega-3 fatty acids nip inflammation in the bud before it ignites. They really help to tamp down inflammation in the body on a cellular level, says Kim Larson, a Seattle-based nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson.
Research finds that people who regularly eat fish high in omega-3s are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis . And in those who already have the disease, marine omega-3s may help reduce joint swelling and pain.
Which Fish are Best?
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Saturated And Trans Fats
Some studies suggest a possible link between chronic inflammation and saturated fats found in red meats, full-fat dairy foods, butter and poultry skin. Similar suggestions have been made for trans fats, found in hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, some margarine brands, French fries and other fried foods.
Monounsaturated fats, namely olive oil, seem less likely to increase inflammation. So far there are no clinical trials that prove this type of heart-healthy diet is good for arthritis.
Fruits To Eat To Reduce Arthritis Symptoms
Suffering from arthritis? Youre not the only one since studies show that it affects over 10 million people in the U.K. Thankfully, you can help reduce your symptoms by adding certain fruits to your everyday diet.
Top Fruits That Could Help Ease Arthritis Symptoms
Affecting mostly the knee, hip, hands and feet joints, arthritis is a common condition all across the world and affects several age groups. In fact, statistics show that the chronic musculoskeletal disorder is the most common cause of disabilities in the U.S. Characterized by the involvement of all joint structures in our body, it usually gives joint pain, reduced participation in daily activities and a generally poorer quality of life for those who are suffering from it.
Fortunately, changing your diet and making healthier food choices can do a lot to help alleviate these symptoms. One such way is by eating nutrient-rich fruits. Here are some of the best ones that can help your condition:
Tart Cherries
Avocado
Essentially considered as a superfruit, avocados are easily available, cheap and host tons of health benefits. As for people suffering from arthritis, however, theyd be glad to know that avocados are filled with vitamin E, which is a macronutrient with anti-inflammatory capabilities that can help decrease the risk of joint damage thats usually seen in early stages of osteoarthritis.
Watermelon
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, commonly affecting the hands, hips and knees. Pixabay
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Pineapple Contains Bromelain Which Reduces Swelling
Pineapple is a rich source of Vitamin C and also an enzyme called Bromelain. This enzyme helps in reducing swelling and pain caused by Arthritis. Adding this tropical fruit to your regular diet, in any form, helps reduce swelling as well as relieves pain. It not only acts as a medicine but also gives a sweet, sour, and tangy taste to your food. Whether you add pineapple to your fruit salad, bake in savory dishes or blend into a smoothie, the benefits remain the same.
Grapes Have Anti Inflammatory Properties
Fresh red and black grapes are a reserve of Resveratrol, which is an anti-inflammatory substance. It not only helps in Arthritis but also aids in improving the functioning of blood vessels while maintaining cardiovascular health. Grapes of all varieties are a rich source of Polyphenols which are useful in maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
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Salmon Tuna Sardines And Mackerel
These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have found can decrease inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, eating a 3 to 4 ounce serving of these fish two or more times a week is recommended for protecting the heart and reducing inflammation.
While fresh fish can get pricey quickly, one tip to make it more affordable is by looking in the freezer section or buying canned sardines, salmon or tuna. Be sure to choose lower sodium options when purchasing canned items if you need to keep your sodium in check.
The Myths About Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshade vegetables, such as potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes and peppers, are packed with solanine, a chemical that supposedly tends to worsen the pain-related symptoms of arthritis, along with triggering inflammation. So, should one avoid nightshade vegetables all together?
There is very little evidence to validate the above mentioned claim through scientific data. It may have proven true for some individuals, but no studies have been conducted to prove that nightshade vegetables actually worsen the symptoms or cause inflammation.
If anything, research claims that nightshade vegetables are brimming with essential nutrients, and they are a very beneficial addition to our daily diets. However, if you feel they are triggering or worsening arthritis-related symptoms and pain, avoid eating them.
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Best Oils For Arthritis
The oil you put on your salad can add to your anti-inflammatory arsenal.
Among the myriad bottles of oils lining grocery store shelves are some that offer a dose of anti-inflammatory action and other health perks for people with arthritis. When part of a diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins, certain oils can help stave off heart disease, stroke and diabetes, for which many people with arthritis have an increased risk.
Some may also help prevent inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, as well as certain cancers, says Sara Haas, a Chicago-based dietitian, chef and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Oils Explained
All oils are a mixture of fatty acids monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated and its the ratio of these acids that determine whether an oil or fat is healthful or harmful.
Healthy oils and fats have a higher amount of unsaturated fatty acids and a lower amount of saturated fatty acids than their less-healthy counterparts, says Haas. Unsaturated fats mono and poly have unique health benefits. Monounsaturated fats can help lower your blood LDL level and raise HDL cholesterol, which in turn can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Polyunsaturated fats may lower total blood cholesterol, which also helps prevent heart disease.
Here are Haass top picks for healthy oils.
Olive Oil
Grapeseed Oil
Walnut Oil
Avocado Oil
Canola Oil