Foods That Help Arthritis

We get the word arthritis from the Greek, and the literal meaning is inflammation of the joint. There are over a hundred different types of arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is degeneration of the joint due to trauma, infection, especially over time, so we see this condition frequently in the elderly person. Pain and reduced mobility are common, and muscle strain from forcing stiff joints to function is possible, along with fatigue.

There are a plethora of advertised treatments available, as well as a pile of prescription medication, so to simplify things, let's look at what we eat, and our lifestyle.

There are many natural foods that are stated to improve our health, and reduce inflammation in our body.

Firstly, a diet high in protein can increase uric acid deposits, causing pain. Animal protein is particularly known for this, so consider using more vegetable proteins like potatoes and legumes. Did you ever think when enjoying some hummus dip and crackers that you were getting a nice serve of protein?

Have lots of fiber from fresh raw fruit and vegetables and whole grains as this will help to sweep away mineral and acid build up, and reduce harmful bacteria. Dark green leafy veggies contain the carotenoidslutein and zeaxanthin, and saponins and flavonoids. These wonderful foods are said to be beneficial in preventing breast cancer, skin cancer cells, and lung cancer and stomach cancer by inhibiting their cell growth. They also help to build and maintain bone cartilage. Did you know that the vegetable Kale contains more calcium than milk?

It is also more easily adsorbed than milk, so go for the veg! Sounds good to me! The silica found in alfalfa sprouts, lettuce and cabbage is also helpful. Plant based essential fatty acids are great for reducing inflammation, grind flax seeds fresh as you want them, and the oil is great in a salad dressing. Bromelain found in the core of fresh pineapples is also helpful in reducing inflammation, and cruciferous vegetables also such as cauliflower and broccoli, and foods high in sulfur help to repair bone and cartilage, so serve up some asparagus garlic and onion every day.

Water is essential, and aim for at least one glass every 2 hours you are awake. Foods to avoid? Acid forming foods as these; red meat, eggs, saturated fats, fried foods, dairy foods, refined foods, and high gluten foods such as bread, pastries and pasta. Along with these avoid caffeine and refined carbohydrates and alcohol. Sounds impossible? Have a think about this easy meal plan: Have some fresh fruit for breakfast, with some freshly ground flax seed (a coffee grinder works perfectly) on mashed banana, and a handful of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and almonds, or some raw mixed nuts. This is very filling and well satisfying.

Lunch can be a jacket potato with a chickpea salad, adding in sprouts tomato, grated carrot, lettuce, celery, onion and fresh garlic to taste, with lemon juice and a good tablespoon of flaxseed oil, and I like a sprinkle of cayenne pepper as well. If you want a lighter lunch, swap the potato with a whole grain bread or wrap.

Dinner could be a walnut/rolled oat rissole, with fresh salad again, or some fresh steamed veg, or stir-fries veg on steamed brown rice. Rice contains an amino acid called histidine, which is helpful in removing heavy metals, as people with arthritis often have high levels of copper.

As a rough guide, you can see how easy it is to put the elements of this way of eating into practice once you give it a bit of thought. Don't make drastic changes to your diet at once, introduce new foods slowly, especially if you haven't been used to eating many legumes, and soaking legumes overnight before cooking can aid digestion.