Arthritis Diet: Foods to Have and Avoid

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, causing severe paint and resulting in restricted movement. The main cause of arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Now with the regular therapy and medications, a very important aspect in taking care of this problem and controlling the symptoms is one’s diet. The diet an arthritis patient follows goes a long way in giving some relief from the pain and inflammation. And this is exactly what I am going to talk to you about here.

Foods to Eat While on an Arthritis Diet

When suffering from arthritis, it is important one consumes food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Fruits such as Kiwi fruit, papaya, mango, strawberries, apples, apricots, bananas, and peaches are the best bet. As far as vegetables are concerned, broccoli, spinach, carrots, Brussels sprouts, squash, collards, and sweet potatoes should be given priority in one’s diet. Fish is also very good for arthritis. The varieties to eat are salmon, tuna, trout, cod, mackerel, sardines, herring, and oysters. Besides these, nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans, linseed, and pumpkin seeds are very good for arthritis. Talking about pulses, one should consume a lot of brown rice, whole wheat bread, lentils, chick peas, and oats. Last but not the least, spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are also excellent to be included in the diet. Green tea is another good option to switch too, in case you suffer from arthritis.

Foods to Avoid While on an Arthritis Diet

Now while it is important to have certain foods when suffering from arthritis, it is even more important to know what needs to be avoided. Basically, you just need to stay away from all the food that simply aggravates the symptoms of arthritis. And those are foods high in cholesterol, fats, and excess sugary and salted stuff. All foods contain these properties only make the symptoms and inflammation worse, and then life becomes very difficult for the patient. Stay away from deep fried food, caffeine drinks, alcohol, tobacco products, pasteurized dairy products, and processed foods. Packaged snacks and fast food too are bad for arthritis. Avoid normal rice, white potatoes, chocolate, tomatoes, corn, soft drinks, eggplants, red meat, beans, vinegar, ginseng, chips, margarine, and baked foods. Pasta, purine rich foods, and all animal fats. Also stay away from oils like corn oil, sunflower oil, soy oils, and safflower oil.

It is important to understand what kind of arthritis you suffer from. There are different kinds like gout, rheumatoid, psoriatic, and osteoarthritis. Your diet will slightly differ depending on the type, which is why it is very important for you to talk to your doctor or dietician on what exactly you can eat and what you need to stay away from. The foods good and bad for arthritis given here is your guide, but make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions properly, to be able to subdue the inflammation and like a normal life.

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