As many as 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, and it is caused by several factors including genetics, environment, age, obesity, and age. Treatment for arthritis includes weight loss, physical therapy, assistive aids, physical activity, and medication to relieve the pain. A person with arthritis needs to learn self-management skills to help in their treatment. Besides regular exercise, a healthy diet is essential. Here we will look at some of the best food choices to help if you or a loved one has arthritis.
Foods That Contain Sulphur
Vegetables like asparagus, onions, garlic, and green leafy vegetables like kale, contain sulphur which is essential for the body to produce gluthatione. Gluthatione assists the body in repairing joints and bones. Some fruits also contain sulphur, with non-citrus fruits and cherries being the highest in content. In the meat department, choose fish and eggs for the highest sulphur content.
Omega-3 Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for many conditions, including arthritis. The three acids that make up Omega-3 fatty acids are EPA and DHA, and these acids are extraordinary for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Known to be found in cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, haddock, and mackerel, they are also abundant in other foods like avocado, nuts, eggs, chicken, turkey, and oils including olive oil and raw coconut oil. With the variety of foods available, you should be able to include the healthy Omega-3s in your diet.
Allergy Free Diet
Anyone who suffers from arthritis should be checked for food allergies. Food allergies can cause inflammation that will exacerbate arthritic symptoms. A study by Kjeldson-Kragh and Associates, conducted their study by treating the test subjects by eliminating certain foods. They had them to alternate between fasting and a vegetarian diet for a year. They found that the subjects responded greatly to the restricted diet, and responded poorly to introducing certain foods once again when the year was up.
Natural Foods
Eating fresh, homemade meals is necessary for people with arthritis. Processed foods are full of saturated and Trans fats, and refined carbs that can cause inflammation. These types of foods should not be part of anyone’s diet. According to Arthritis Today, a magazine with health information for those with arthritis, people with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, should avoid these foods and opt for a healthy balanced diet free of additives and preservatives. Processed foods are notorious for causing extreme inflammation which can have a serious effect on those with arthritis.
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