An Arthritis Dietary Guide - By: jameeodpra

Arthritis is a common debilitating disease that occurs in one out of every three people in the United States. It is characterized by symptoms such as pain in the affected joints as well as inflammation. Some types of arthritis are caused by degradation of the joints through wear and tear, and other types are caused by a deficiency in the body's autoimmune system. Regardless of the cause of the condition, or the type of arthritis one has, the victim usually suffers from chronic pain in one or more joints.

So how do you remedy this?

Unfortunately, as far as a definitive cure to arthritis is concerned, there is none yet. Some cases of arthritis are so advanced that there is complete loss of the connective tissue such as the cartilage. Cartilage damage is irreversible. The patient will have to live with the condition, but there are forms of arthritis treatment available.

For many, medicines are the first course of action. Many arthritis pain relievers are available over the counter without need of a doctor’s prescription. These include non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, and narcotic pain killers like ibuprofen. These arthritis drugs are often fast acting, but the effects are also quick to wear off. Other medicinal options may provide longer term results, but usually take a lot longer to create any benefit.

But with reports of a few adverse side effects caused by arthritis medications, many people are turning to more natural methods of managing the disease. One option is the "arthritis diet."

While there is no scientific evidence that diet can treat arthritis, certain choices seem like they can only provide a positive result on the body. For years, dieticians have been recommending a kind of arthritis diet that is suitable for patients suffering this disease. Also, studies have concluded that high levels of fat and cholesterol may negatively impact the condition's symptoms. This therefore shows that an arthritis diet, one that is controlled and balanced, would aid in preventing the onset of the disease in the first place.

The concept of the "arthritis diet" is not a strict diet. Instead, think of the plan as two lists - one of foods that you should avoid, and a second of foods that may help to alleviate some symptoms.

Below are the foods that you ought to avoid while on an arthritis diet:

Beverages high in fructose (like soda)
Potatoes and other starchy foods
Red meat (less is better)
Foods high in saturated fat
Greasy foods
Fried foods

In contrast, these foods may help with symptoms:

Vitamin C (contained in many fruits)
Fish oils
Foods high in vitamin E
Whole grains

About the Author

You don't need to suffer from arthritis pain. Learn available alternatives for arthritis treatment and osteoarthritis treatment.

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