| If you have spent any time surfing the Net or reading | | | | vegetables. Diets that are high in saturated animal fats |
| magazines, the chances are you will have seen the | | | | contain substances that can lead to inflammation. On |
| next 'miracle' diet for arthritis. Some suggest we should | | | | the other hand vegetarian diets seem to reduce |
| take certain supplements. Others that we should avoid | | | | inflammation. In one study on patients with rheumatoid |
| certain foods. So is there any evidence that any of | | | | arthritis, those that followed an 'anti-inflammatory diet' |
| these diets actually work? | | | | showed less symptoms after several weeks. This diet |
| Most doctors that work in the field will tell you that diet | | | | consisted of reducing their intake of dairy products and |
| can indeed help in controlling symptoms of your | | | | restricting the eating of meat to twice a week. |
| arthritis. But not the faddy diets that are often extolled | | | | Certain fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants that |
| in the popular press. The general consensus is that you | | | | protect joints and reduce chemicals that cause |
| should be following a sensible diet that is high in fresh | | | | inflammation. Fruit and vegetables that contain vitamin |
| fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fats. This will | | | | C seem to be particularly useful. Oranges have been |
| give the body all the nutrients it needs, and can help to | | | | studied and this fruit has had good results with arthritis |
| reduce weight when combined with a sensible | | | | pain. Other fruits that can be used include blueberries, |
| exercise plan. | | | | spinach and apples. |
| One thing is probably worth pointing out here. This is | | | | Some 'alternative' arthritis diets recommend the cutting |
| not a 'diet' as most people use the word. It's not just a | | | | out of foods from the nightshade family. This includes |
| set of meals that you take for the next 2 to 4 weeks. | | | | tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers. There is |
| This is a lifetime commitment to eating more healthily. In | | | | little scientific basis for this, and quite a bit of |
| fact you could call it a 'lifetime diet'. | | | | controversy among healthcare professionals. You |
| So is it worth the time and effort looking at arthritis | | | | could try it for a period of time and see if you notice a |
| diets? Sure it is. But just be aware that some of the | | | | difference. But remember that you need to make sure |
| dietary 'advice' that you read about has been | | | | you have a balanced diet. Tomatoes and peppers are |
| produced by companies that are trying to sell you their | | | | a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, so you |
| latest pill or supplement. | | | | will need to ensure that you are still eating a good |
| One of the changes that can easily be implemented | | | | source of these items. |
| by most people is eating plenty of fresh fruit and | | | | |