What Is the Best Diet for Arthritis Sufferers?

Arthritis is a very common disease among people of all ages across the globe. There are more medicines for relieving the pain of arthritis but few really treat the problem. This leads to a greater dependency of patients with this disease on medicines and less on self help.

Arthritis can come in many forms and it is important to know which one is afflicting you. The common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Some people also suffer from gout which comes from a build up of uric acid in the body and results in painful joints. All arthritis will attack the joins and cause painful inflammation.

One of the ways that certain forms of arthritis can be controlled is by diet. Much has been written about eating a healthy diet and improving your overall health. For example:

1. Obesity can add to your arthritis problems. If you are overweight there is more stress and strain on your joints, especially your knees, ankles and hips. It is wise to eat a healthy diet that will help you maintain your correct weight and decrease stress on these joints.

2. Some foods contribute to inflammatory conditions. Some foods should not be eaten by arthritis sufferers. Saturated and transfat should be eliminated as much as possible, especially transfat. Fried foods are not very good for arthritis patients as they tend to be full of calories and will make you put on weight, which can put stress on your joints. Refined foods like those made with white flour and white rice can increase the inflammatory chemicals in your body. Sugar will also have the same effect.

3. Other foods can reduce inflammation.

Green tea has been praised of late for its beneficent properties regarding health. It contains among other things a substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGEC) This is an antitoxin that acts as an anti inflammatory substance by reducing inflammatory chemicals within the body. Research has also discovered that this tea might decrease cartilage break down and improve the preservation of the joints.

Omega 3 fats: this substance can decrease inflammation in the joints by suppressing the enzymes that erode cartilage. It can be found in Salmon, oily fish like sardines, trout and mackerel or in walnuts and flax seeds.

Olive oil is a healthy addition to your diet. Oleocanthal can be found in Olive oil, which acts like aspirin and is anti inflammatory. Extra virgin oil is best as it is less processed than the other types of olive oil and also has some antitoxins to fight inflammation.

Beta cryptoxanthin can be found in a number of fruits and vegetables. This will reduce inflammation. Winter squash, persimmons, corn, pumpkin, tangerines, oranges, papaya, red peppers, and apricots are high in this ingredient.

Vitamin C is known for its uses in helping the body make collagen, which is useful for maintaining cartilage. Many fruits and vegetables have this vitamin. It is not good to have high doses of vitamin C supplements if you have osteoarthritis.

Ginger and turmeric are good spices for people suffering with arthritis to use. Anthocyanins are good antioxidants that will reduce free radicals and can be fond in berries, eggplant, red and black grapes and plums.

The best diet to help your arthritis is a healthy, well balanced one that keeps these tips in mind.