What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a really common and debilitating disease of
muscles, joints and bones. Even though it can happen to anybody irrespective of
age and gender, it’s diagnosed more commonly in women and older individuals. You
know just how much your life can be impacted if you have arthritis.
There are many types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is one
form, which develops in joints with overuse. Another kind is rheumatoid
arthritis, an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your
joints
How can food help arthritis?
It’s not possible for certain foods or nutritional
supplements to cure arthritis. However, according to the Arthritis Foundation,
certain diets may help people manage their symptoms better.
Some foods have anti-inflammatory capabilities which may
help reduce symptoms while other foods can amplify them. The right diet can
help to improve arthritis by:
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Reducing inflammation
A balanced, nutritious diet will provide the body the tools
it needs to stop additional damage to the joints, which is crucial for those
who have osteoarthritis. Some foods are known to reduce inflammation from the
body, and after an anti-inflammatory diet may improve symptoms. Eating
sufficient antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, may help to prevent
additional damage to the joints.
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Reducing cholesterol
People with osteoarthritis are more likely to have high
blood cholesterol, and reducing cholesterol may improve the symptoms of the
disease. On the perfect diet, individuals can quickly improve their cholesterol
levels.
Keeping a healthy weight
Being overweight can put extra strain on the joints, and
excess fat stores in the body can lead to additional inflammation. Maintaining
a healthy weight can decrease the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Keeping to a healthy weight can be problematic for some folks,
especially people with a medical condition that reduces their freedom, such as
osteoarthritis. A dietitian or health expert will be able to provide the right
advice.
Best foods for arthritis tips
Here are some helpful tips for an arthritis-friendly diet for your body by having these anti
inflammatory, arthritis-friendly foods.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Studies prove that omega-3 fatty acids combat inflammation
through changes in the fatty acid composition of cell membranes. Adding
sardines, salmon and mackerel to your diet may be beneficial since they’re full
of omega-3 fatty acids.
Olive oil
Oil derived from olives contains healthy monounsaturated
fats. This oil is made up of pure compound called oleocanthal. Oleocanthal
functions as a natural anti inflammatory agent and is touted to be as powerful
as ibuprofen.
Garlic
Garlic is jam-packed with health benefits. Garlic has been
demonstrated to have an anti-inflammatory impact which can help reduce symptoms
of arthritis. Adding garlic to your diet could benefit both arthritis symptoms
and general health.
Research has shown that garlic can enhance the function of certain
immune cells to help fortify the immune system. In certain test-tube studies,
garlic and its components have been shown to possess cancer-fighting
properties. They also contain chemicals that may lower the risk of
cardiovascular disease and dementia.
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Ginger:
Ginger may also help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. A
2001 study analyzed the effects of ginger infusion in 261 patients with
osteoarthritis of the knee. After six weeks, 63% of participants experienced
improvements in knee pain. One test-tube study also found that ginger and its
components blocked the production of compounds that promote inflammation in the
body. Another study found that treating rats with ginger infusion decreased
Levels of a particular inflammatory marker involved with arthritis.
Consuming ginger in fresh, powdered or dried form may reduce
Inflammation and assist in reducing symptoms of arthritis.
Beans
Considered to have high anti inflammatory and
anti-inflammatory properties, beans are high in fiber also.
Green tea
Green tea is an age-old remedy for several diseases
including arthritis. It’s packed with antioxidants, which have a powerful
anti-inflammatory quality. Additionally it is a rich source of antioxidants.
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Broccoli
It is no secret that broccoli is among the healthiest foods
out there. In actuality, it might even be associated with decreased
inflammation. One study that looked at the diets of 1,005 women found the
Intake of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli has been correlated with
decreased levels of inflammatory markers.
Broccoli also contains important components that could help
reduce symptoms of arthritis. Sulforaphane is a chemical found in broccoli.
Test-tube studies have shown that it blocks the creation of a sort of cell
involved in rheumatoid arthritis growth. Broccoli has been associated with
decreased inflammation.
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Walnuts
Walnuts are nutrient-dense and filled up with chemicals that
may Help decrease the inflammation associated with joint disease. One analysis
of 13 research studies showed that eating walnuts was associated with reduced
markers of inflammation. Walnuts are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids, which
have been proven to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. In one research study, 90
patients with rheumatoid arthritis took supplements of omega-3 fatty acids or
olive oil. In comparison to the olive oil group, those who received omega-3
Fatty acids experienced lower levels of pain and could reduce their usage of
arthritis medications.
However, most existing research focuses on the effects of
Omega-3 fatty acids generally on arthritis. Further studies are necessary to find
out more about the ramifications of walnuts, especially.
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Berries
Berries are highly fibrous fruits which are packed with
antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins and ellagic acid to fight inflammation. Berries are rich in quercetin and rutin, two compounds found in
plants that have a large number of health benefits including inflammation
reducing properties. Fortunately, if you want to take advantage of these
impressive health benefits, Choose from strawberries, blackberries or blueberries that can provide plenty of arthritis-fighting nutrients
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Turmeric
Turmeric is an age old anti-inflammatory medicinal plant. It
owes its anti inflammatory properties into a very important component called
curcumin. Apparently, curcumin has been found to be a lot more effective than
certain medications in reducing inflammation.
Whole grains
Foods
like oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat bread and cereals contain more of entire
grain than processed material. Since these foods are high in fiber, they help
bring down the amount of C – reactive protein from the bloodstream, which is a
marker for inflammation.
