| Two of the most common types of arthritis are | | | | may help with choosing foods that assist the body |
| osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | to repair itself.o Maintain an ideal weight by eating a |
| People suffering with osteoarthritis should avoid or | | | | variety of foods. Include foods from the 4 basic |
| cut down on highly refined and processed foods, | | | | food groups (fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy, |
| sugar, salt and saturated animal fats. A healthier diet | | | | breads and cereals) to ensure the intake of the more |
| would be to include wholegrain cereals, fresh fruit and | | | | than forty essential nutrients to maintain good |
| vegetables. By eating a more healthy diet sufferers | | | | health.o Include adequate amounts of starch and |
| can boost their immune system and provide them | | | | fiber. Starches such as potatoes, rice, bread, beans |
| with extra energy they need to fight the disease. | | | | and pasta provide the body with energy. Fiber, the |
| Through scientific research, it has been shown that | | | | undigested portion of the plants we eat, adds bulk |
| fish oils are beneficial to people suffering from | | | | and helps with the elimination process. |
| arthritis. Oily fish such as salmon, mullet, sardines and | | | | In some cases of rheumatoid arthritis, it is thought |
| trout provide the omega-3 fatty acids that can have | | | | that food intolerance and allergies may contribute to |
| an anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammation is the | | | | the disease. It can be extremely difficult discovering |
| natural body's reaction to arthritis resulting in pain, | | | | what, if any, food could be the culprit and an |
| swelling, redness and heat. For people who cannot | | | | exclusion diet may be the best way to identify the |
| eat fish, fish oil capsules or liquid taken in the | | | | allergy source. For anyone considering following this |
| prescribed dose can help in managing the disease. | | | | type of diet, they should first consult their medical |
| Seafood provides omega-3 fats which help to | | | | professional or qualified dietician. |
| regulate the body producing inflammatory chemicals | | | | A number of foods that are believed to exacerbate |
| known as eicosanoids. As well as seafood, canola oil, | | | | arthritis or are associated with arthritis "flare ups" are |
| soy oil, flaxseed and walnut also provide omega-3 | | | | -o Caffeineo Red Meato Dairy productso Processed |
| fats which help to suppress the inflammatory | | | | foodso Sugaro Salto Vegetables of the nightshade |
| chemicals. | | | | group (tomatoes, peppers, etc.)o Preservatives and |
| Some studies have found that rheumatoid arthritis | | | | additiveso Chocolate |
| sufferers have benefited from a vegetarian diet. | | | | As with many allergy triggers the effects are not |
| Celery and ginger contain an anti-inflammatory agent | | | | always consistent with everyone, what triggers a |
| and celery and bananas are a good source of | | | | flare up or allergy on one person may have no affect |
| potassium. Green vegetables should be included in the | | | | on another.o Avoid too much sugar. Sugar provides |
| diet as they are a good source of beta carotene, | | | | calories but little nutrition and too much will contribute |
| calcium, iron, folate and vitamins. | | | | to excess weight gain.o Avoid too much sodium. |
| Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that is | | | | Excess salt can contribute to water retention and |
| effective in breaking down protein. Researchers have | | | | also lead to high blood pressure.o Avoid alcohol. |
| been looking into the medicinal properties of | | | | Alcohol can deplete the body of vitamins and minerals |
| bromelain since the mid 1950's. It has been used in | | | | besides being high in calories. It also potentially can |
| treating the inflammatory symptoms of both | | | | interact with medications for arthritis and in some |
| Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis and it thought | | | | cases can be extremely harmful when mixed with |
| to aid in tissue repair. | | | | prescribed and non prescribed medications. |
| Healthy eating habits essential for our total wellbeing, | | | | The overall aim is to reduce the causes of arthritis |
| but when diseases such as arthritis are evident, what | | | | pain and discomfort by ensuring the foods you eat |
| you eat can be extremely important for your | | | | are right for your condition and are not harming your |
| immune system, blood circulation, weight control and | | | | body further. |
| of course nutrition. The following dietary guidelines | | | | |