A positive link exists between arthritis and diet that reduces fats and inflammation. The relationship between arthritis and diet has been much disputed in recent years. Claims have been made regarding the healing effects of cider vinegar and honey or the deleterious effects of potatoes and peppers. None of these claims has been verified by research.
However, there has emerged a positive association between arthritis and diets that reduce fats and increase the anti-inflammatory response of the body. Such diets that target weight reduction and lower inflammation seem to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis and Diet that Reduces Fats and Weight
Being overweight creates an unnecessary burden on weight-bearing joints like back, hips, knees, ankles and feet. It makes logical sense that keeping weight under control can have a positive effect on joint motion and discomfort.
Unfortunately, most people equate weight loss with counting calories and eating less, a situation that often creates an imbalance in nutritional intake. Counting calories can lead to a diet that is lower in calories but nutritionally deficient. This does not bode well for people with arthritis who need to sustain a balanced diet even more than healthy people. A diet that reduces fat and sugar intake, while increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables seems best.
The key to weight control is fat reduction, specifically saturated fats that are found in animal products like red meat, milk and cheese. It is wise to avoid trans fats and saturated fats as well as consume a smaller amount of monosaturated fats like olive oil or canola oil.
Another way to reduce weight is by controlling one’s intake of sugar. Sugar provides empty calories that have no nutritional value. Even honey, brown sugar and raw sugar provide more calories than nutrients.
A third way is to fill up on fruits and vegetables which provide not only nutrients but fibre and roughage. Dark green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale and brussels sprouts are low in calories, rich in vitamins, fibre and cancer-fighting properties. They are great fillers that can help ward off unwanted hunger pangs.
Arthritis and Diet that Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory diet has been touted by well-known diet professionals like Dr Nicholas Perricone and Barry Sears, creator of the Zone Diet. Its proponents claim that certain foods calm the immune system, reducing the chronic inflammation that often leads to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer and arthritis.
Research has linked certain nutrients like the omega-fatty-3 acids in fish oils and in various spice compounds with anti-inflammatory functions. They dampen the production of chemicals that trigger the inflammatory process in the body. Foods that promote inflammation such as trans fats, saturated fats (found in red meats and dairy products), processed foods and refined carbohydrates (like white bread and sugar) are discouraged. Vegetables and fruits are encouraged because of their antioxidant action.
Turmeric, the yellow spice common in Indian dishes, contains a chemical called curcumin. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests it may help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation.
So, what does an anti-inflammatory diet look like?
The typical Mediterranean diet has all the properties of a regime that is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. The following foods are staples of this diet.
- brightly coloured fruits such as oranges, apples, pomegranates
- varied vegetables like onions, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, sprouts, eggplants,
- whole grains like brown rice and bulgur
- monosaturated oils like olive oil
- legumes like beans and lentils
- dark chocolate
- garlic, turmeric and ginger
- oily fish
- poultry in moderation
- little or no red meat
- nuts, especially walnuts (in moderation)
- reduced consumption of refined foods like white pasta, white bread and rice
There are no counting calories in this diet, just conscious assimilation of foods known to reduce inflammation in the body. People who adopt this diet often lose body fat and weight. Most significantly, they also reclaim the mobility of joints and limbs and a reduction in pain.
Despite the controversy surrounding the relationship between arthritis and diet, two aspects of dietary selection seem to alleviate the symptoms of this chronic condition: foods that reduce body fat and the inflammatory response.
Other methods for relieving arthritis
Exercise
As well as diet, exercise is important when living with arthritis, not only for weight loss but for keeping your joints flexible and strengthening the muscles around your joints, which offers more support.
The following exercises are great for low impact
- Swimming
- Walking
- Cycling
- Tai Chi
- Pilates and Yoga when the instructor adapts moves to make them suitable
How your mattress impacts arthritis
My partner has arthritis and he really struggles with sleep. It’s important to find the right mattress for you.
Things to consider when choosing a mattress
- How do you sleep? If you are a side sleeper, you are putting more pressure on your hips
- How heavy are you? Heavier people may need a firmer mattress to support their weight whereas lighter people may want a softer mattress to sink into. A mattress that is too soft may lead to spinal strain, and a mattress that is too firm could contribute to pressure buildup, so arthritis and joint pain sufferers may benefit from selecting their firmness level carefully.
- Temperature regulation, consider the material that the mattress is made from and how these affect temperature during the night.
- You may want to consider an adjustable bed
- Price, unfortunately for most people, price is going to impact your decision as mattresses can be very costly. Have a shop around and check out mattress sale and mattress sale uk
The right mattress will
- support your spine at your neck or lower back the way it needs to
- will gently support your body as well, and keep your spine in a neutral position
- be necessary to have a comfortable sleep
- not aggravate pain and discomfort
Do you suffer from arthritis? Do you have any additional tips?
Heather says
I wish I had read this sooner. My Nana suffered from very bad arthritis and we were always looking for ways to relieve her discomfort.
Holly Southern says
Oh my gosh, such great tips! I do have arthritis so I’m going to try to implement a few. I know for sure a new mattress could help.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra says
My husband suffers from arthritis pain so we decided to get an orthopedic mattress for proper support. So far, so good. I will take note of the food list and include more of them in our diet. Thanks!
Heather says
Excellent tips! My husband and I aren’t experiencing arthritis but these are great things to keep in mind.
JEN SA says
I’m going to show this to my mom, she has arthritis and she’s not doing much about it.
Mosaics Lab says
I didn’t know that diet helps fighting arthritis. My mom has it, still not severe though. I will let her know about these amazing diets.