Diet Suited For People With Arthritis
Millions of people who suffer from arthritis must take necessary precautions so the disease would not progress. Usually, arthritis starts from small areas of the body such as hands, ankles, knees, and spread to larger areas such as arms, shoulders, back, hips and neck. To prevent this from happening, some lifestyle changes are necessary for people with arthritis. Changing one's nutritional diet may help in losing weight that decreases load on the joints.
People with arthritis should minimize consuming red meat such as beef and pork since these meat products can elevate uric acid and thereby lead to gout. Similarly, eating a lot of meat is discouraged for people with arthritis since the body would put on more weight. However, falling into fad diets such as fasting and vegetarian diets are extreme measures which should be not be the diet for people with arthritis. Some studies as compiled by credible websites about arthritis suggests the following:
1. Avoid eating food that has high purine content. This promotes inflammation so that's why the following should be avoided : meat organs, mussels, yeast, herring, sardines and sweetbreads. Commonly, people think that legumes, beans and some vegetables are bad for arthritis when in fact there are many food types that have higher purine content that must not be consumed. Certain beverages such as colas and caffeine products should also be minimized since the phosphoric acid eats the calcium intended for the bones. Intake of coffee and other high caffeine beverages must also be minimized.
2. Food that have high omega- 3 fatty acids are helpful in preventing inflammation among people that have rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil in salmon, mackerel and tuna contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acid. On the other hand, omega 6 fatty acids rich food groups should be shunned by people with arthritis, an example of which is vegetable oil. Also, recent studies assert that food cooked in high temperatures contribute to inflammation. High quality olive oil can also suppress inflammation like Ibuprofen according to Dr. Beauchamp of Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. Besides, olive oil contains omega 3 oil which is good for over-all health.
Having arthritis does not mean a very limited diet that makes a person suffer. The secret is having a well-balanced diet that excludes food that cause inflammation. A nutritionist or a doctor can give valuable advice regarding diet for arthritis.