Arthritis Diet and Food: Foods to Avoid

As arthritis is inflammation of the joints; stiffness, swelling in joints along with joint pain is observed. There are various types of arthritis. The most common ones being gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The causes for the different types of arthritis are different. People of any age can suffer from arthritis. It is quite a common disorder and many people are seen suffering from it. Arthritis diet is recommended for people to repress symptoms of arthritis.

Arthritis Diet

Although it is not clinically proven, it is universally believed that diet helps in reducing or increasing joint pain in arthritis. People suffering from arthritis observe that when they eat or avoid certain foodstuffs, less symptoms of arthritis are observed. It is always advisable to avoid the food that cause arthritis. Let us have a look at the diet for arthritis.

Foods to Avoid with Arthritis

• You must avoid fats and cholesterol containing foodstuffs like red meat and poultry. Dairy products like whole milk, cheese, and butter also contain high cholesterol and phosphorous which is not advisable for arthritis.
• It is advisable to avoid refined wheat and wheat products like wheat bread. It contains phosphorous and is believed to aggravate arthritis. Corn must also be avoided.
• Avoid having tomatoes, bell pepper, and egg plant, as some people have reported reduced joint pain after avoiding these foods completely.
• Other foods that you need to avoid as a diet for arthritis pain relief are excess sugar and salt-containing foods. Abstain from having soft drinks with a lot of sugar, cookies, sodas; salt-containing foods like chips, etc. You must also avoid having too much coffee as it contains caffeine. Excess alcohol can aggravate gout. Citrus fruits like orange or lemon must be completely avoided.

So what are the foods to be eaten for arthritis pain relief? Some foods are believed to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Following is the diet for arthritis pain relief.

Foods Good for Arthritis

• Arthritis diet is a pure vegetarian diet. Therefore, try to reduce the intake of meat or completely avoid it. You must include the foods that you feel are suitable to you for arthritis pain relief.
• Foods that contain high polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially the omega-3 fatty acid, are very essential to reduce joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis. Fish like tuna, herring, mackerel and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Similarly, walnuts, avocado and soybeans also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
• Having fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended. They contain many beneficial nutrients that are required by the body. They help improve the overall health of a person.
• You must have vegetable soups, juices and herbal teas. Try to eat fresh and healthy foodstuffs, avoiding processed and fried foods.

The effectiveness of the foods in reducing or aggravating arthritis differ from person to person. Hence, when a person suspects something about the food that causes arthritis, he must avoid it immediately. There may be times when your arthritis gets worse. You can prepare simple meals like vegetable soups or juices to avoid spending a lot of time in cooking. You must also remember to go for a healthy choice of food at restaurants.

Having complete meals, and also maintaining appropriate weight is very advisable. Proper weight will put less strain on the joints and reduce pain. You must follow arthritis diets and opt for healthy and fresh foods for arthritis pain relief.