The Good and Bad Foods for Arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic joint inflammation resulting in swelling, pain, and limited limb movement. swelling and pain. Arthritis patients have little knowledge how much their diet affects their pain. Researches have shown that consuming a diet that supports weight management and wellness can help prevent inflammation. .However, for most arthritis patients, finding a specific diet or certain foods treating arthritis is easier than done. Below are some interesting information that may be of help to arthritis patients.

The Good Foods:

Whole Grains

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Whole grains fight inflammation because they are good sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids and selenium, which reduce levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. Recent studies have shown that whole-wheat products contains considerable amounts of nutrients needed to lessen arthritis symptoms including inflammation, stiffness and pain. Barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oats, quinoa, rye, and wild rice are among the best known whole grain. Medical findings also reveal that selenium is also found in Brazil nuts, crab, oysters, lean beef and light tuna.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Another good food for arthritis sufferers to look into is Extra virgin olive oil which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Recent researches have revealed that a substance in extra-virgin olive oil named oleocanthal is a natural organic anti-inflammatory agent. This substance prevents the production of pro-inflammatory COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Used in place of vegetable oil, butter or margarine, vegetable oil or butter extra virgin olive oil decrease arthritis symptoms such as fatigue, joint tenderness, pain and swelling. Other important sources of omega-3 nutrients include flaxseed oil, mackerel, salmon, soybeans and walnuts.

Carrots and Beta Carotene Foods

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Arthritis sufferers benefit greatly from fruits and vegetables that are supercharged with important nutrients and with high concentration of beta-carotene, because it increases beta-cryptoxanthin in the body. Studies have shown that foods that contain beta-carotene help fight inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Food sources of beta-carotene include: apricots, butternut squash, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, kale, mustard greens, oranges, papaya, persimmons, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, and turnip greens.

Foods to Avoid:

Saturated Fat

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Saturated fats are one food source that causes an inflammatory reaction in the body, which aggravates arthritis. This fat is generally found in animal products. Bacon, beef, beef sausage, bologna, butter, cheese, ice cream, pepperoni, poultry fat, fried chicken, pork, salami, whole milk, are food source high in saturated fat.  Saturated fats are also found in palm oil and palm-kernel oil — ingredients that are added to certain commercially prepared baked goods including cakes, cookies, crackers, deep-fried foods, and nondairy creamers. To prevent symptoms of arthritis, use olive or canola oil as substitute for vegetable oil, choose fat-free or reduced-fat or dairy products, and choose snack foods with no more than 2 grams saturated fat per serving. 

Refined Carbohydrates

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Almost any white food is a refined carbohydrate including white bread, candy, white pasta, white rice, and white sugar.  Besides having little nutritional value, studies have shown that refined carbohydrates actually inflame your joints and generate Cox-2s. To avert nutrient deficiency in the body and prevent arthritis symptoms, replace refined carbs with whole grain equivalents.(brown rice, oats, spelt, rye, and wheat pasta).  
As a rule, ‘Less intake of refined carbohydrates equals lesser pain.

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Medical studies have revealed that consuming even moderate amounts of decaffeinated coffee may increases your risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Coffee drinkers who want to cut back on their caffeine intake, usually substitute decaffeinated coffee for regular caffeine-containing coffee. The reason behind this substitution — caffeine has been associated to serious health complications, including increased cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, and insulin resistance.

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