Arthritis is coming to be considered as an inevitable part of growing old. In the United States, over 40 million people suffer from arthritis - the resulting cost to the US economy is to the tune of over 130 billion dollars, according to studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Studies have shown that people who suffer from arthritis can improve symptoms by changing their diet. The cause of arthritis can stem from various situations. Certainly, genetics plays a role in whether a person will develop arthritis. Other factors include age, weight, previous injuries, some high-level sports, and illness or infection.
Inflammation is often seen in Arthritis and this is because the human body naturally reacts to injuries by inflaming the surrounding area by producing an overdose of cytokines. These secreted protein molecules act as the messenger between brain cells and body parts. Some food types aggravate cytokine production, resulting in an extra dose of it. Reducing inflammation caused during Arthritis helps to relieve joint pain and restricted movement, so it's important to reduce the intake of cytokine-producing foods in your daily diet.
There are several fruits that fight inflammation. The more colors your diet includes, the better it is - fruits and vegetables that are highly colored have phytochemicals, which fight inflammation. Vitamin C also helps battle arthritis, so fruits like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, mango, apples, kiwi fruit etc. should be a part of the diet for people with arthritis.
Broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, spinach, squash, kale, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and carrots are all high in vitamins A and C and will help you fight inflammation.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are the other nutritional components to be included in your daily diet. Fish types including mackerel, sardines, trout, salmon and herring contain Omega-3. Since the fish sold nowadays have high mercury content, it's best to limit your fish intake to 2 to 3 times a week at the most, consisting of 40-ounce portions. Also, you can simply supplement your diet with Omega-3 fatty acid capsules.
If you can find fish that is free of mercury, you can incorporate it in your diet without reservations. Such fish oil supplements are also a great option. Searching online will give options you can turn to.
Nuts and seeds are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Choose unsalted nuts and seeds and avoid dry roasted altogether. Twelve almonds can provide you with the recommended daily allowance of Omega-3 EFAs. Brazil nuts and walnuts are good choices; as well as sunflower, linseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Include whole grains and lentils and avoid anything processed. Quinoa (keen-wah) is known as the Mother of all Grains and is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids. Amaranth, lentils, chick peas (garbanzo beans), and brown rice are also good choices as part of your arthritis diet.
Gluten is a component of grains such as wheat, oats, barley and rye. Gluten is known to cause inflammation within the body and many individuals may be allergic to it without even realizing. Studies have shown that wheat and corn can irritate patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac disease.
Other foods known to cause inflammation include milk and dairy products, red meat, dry roasted nuts, sugar, flour, artificial sweeteners, honey, alcohol, tea, coffee, chocolate, nightshade plants (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes, and tobacco), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), and other food additives. - 15343
Studies have shown that people who suffer from arthritis can improve symptoms by changing their diet. The cause of arthritis can stem from various situations. Certainly, genetics plays a role in whether a person will develop arthritis. Other factors include age, weight, previous injuries, some high-level sports, and illness or infection.
Inflammation is often seen in Arthritis and this is because the human body naturally reacts to injuries by inflaming the surrounding area by producing an overdose of cytokines. These secreted protein molecules act as the messenger between brain cells and body parts. Some food types aggravate cytokine production, resulting in an extra dose of it. Reducing inflammation caused during Arthritis helps to relieve joint pain and restricted movement, so it's important to reduce the intake of cytokine-producing foods in your daily diet.
There are several fruits that fight inflammation. The more colors your diet includes, the better it is - fruits and vegetables that are highly colored have phytochemicals, which fight inflammation. Vitamin C also helps battle arthritis, so fruits like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, mango, apples, kiwi fruit etc. should be a part of the diet for people with arthritis.
Broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, spinach, squash, kale, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and carrots are all high in vitamins A and C and will help you fight inflammation.
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are the other nutritional components to be included in your daily diet. Fish types including mackerel, sardines, trout, salmon and herring contain Omega-3. Since the fish sold nowadays have high mercury content, it's best to limit your fish intake to 2 to 3 times a week at the most, consisting of 40-ounce portions. Also, you can simply supplement your diet with Omega-3 fatty acid capsules.
If you can find fish that is free of mercury, you can incorporate it in your diet without reservations. Such fish oil supplements are also a great option. Searching online will give options you can turn to.
Nuts and seeds are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Choose unsalted nuts and seeds and avoid dry roasted altogether. Twelve almonds can provide you with the recommended daily allowance of Omega-3 EFAs. Brazil nuts and walnuts are good choices; as well as sunflower, linseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Include whole grains and lentils and avoid anything processed. Quinoa (keen-wah) is known as the Mother of all Grains and is an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids. Amaranth, lentils, chick peas (garbanzo beans), and brown rice are also good choices as part of your arthritis diet.
Gluten is a component of grains such as wheat, oats, barley and rye. Gluten is known to cause inflammation within the body and many individuals may be allergic to it without even realizing. Studies have shown that wheat and corn can irritate patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac disease.
Other foods known to cause inflammation include milk and dairy products, red meat, dry roasted nuts, sugar, flour, artificial sweeteners, honey, alcohol, tea, coffee, chocolate, nightshade plants (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes, and tobacco), Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), and other food additives. - 15343
About the Author:
Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.