Arthritis is a chronic disease affecting the musculoskeletal system. It causes inflammations and swellings over the joints in our body. The most evident symptom of this disease is acute and persistent pain in and around the affected joints. Muscle aches and stiffness and, difficulty in movement are the other symptoms of arthritis. The inflammation can be caused by infection, regular wear and tear, stress and damage of the joints, fatigue and old age.
There are over 100 forms of arthritis like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Septic Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Gout etc. But Osteoarthritis, the arthritis that affects the knees, remains most common of them all. This illness is treated by anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers and occupational and physical therapies. However, the best way to cure this disease is going the natural way. Eating healthy and maintaining an appropriate lifestyle can strengthen the musculoskeletal system naturally. Being mindful about the edibles you consume, can help cure arthritis. Certain liberties and constraints can be made to come up with a diet to prevent arthritis.
Diet For Arthritis Prevention
Alcohol can have serious damaging consequences on the health of arthritis patients due to its high uric acid content. It hinders in detoxification of different systems in our body, worsens inflammation and restricts the elimination of uric acid. Moreover, it increases uric acid formation in the body. Beer, as compared to all other alcoholic drinks contains the highest amount of purine. Purine is responsible for increasing the uric acid levels in the body. Hence, beer consumption is a complete ‘NO’ for patients on an arthritis diet plan.
Refined sugar should be restricted in the diet as it contains fats which cause obesity and diabetes. These are the diseases which are known to aggravate arthritis. Limited or no intake of soft drinks, juices, shakes and other fructose and sugar laden beverages is advisable to keep arthritis away. However, one can consume fresh fruits even though it contains natural sugar. This is because it provides the body with vital nutrients. These nutrients in turn promote health, immunity and help combat this painful inflammatory disease.
A balanced diet containing the right proportions of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is essential in soothing the inflammation naturally. It helps in effectively treating and preventing arthritis.
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Mediterranean diet contains fish, vegetables, olives, olive oil and whole grains in generous amounts. These foods are rich sources of omega3 fatty acids, vitamin E and other essential nutrients that help treat arthritis effectively. Thus, a mediterranean diet with its rich antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties is the ideal diet for battling this disease naturally.
Saturated fats limit the ability of the body to eliminate uric acid. Consumption of foods measuring low or zero on fat content is recommended. Dairy product and plant proteins contain abysmally low fat content. Intake of these low fat foods in regular diet leads to reduced saturated fat intake and is ideal for treating arthritis. Obesity which is known to be linked to arthritis can also be kept at bay by consuming a low fat diet.
Fluid therapy deals with proper consumption of fluids, especially water, to help treat arthritis and various diseases. Drinking liquids help remove unhealthy toxins from the body including excess of uric acid. This detoxification is hence essential for relieving arthritis and improving general health. It is advised to consume 8 to10 glasses of liquids every day to promote a healthy, fit and arthritis free body.
Pork, anchovies, scallops, lamb, bouillon, sardines and other sea foods, organ meats, fish etc. are rich in purine. As stated earlier, purine helps in the formation of uric acid and hinders its elimination from the body. This intensifies the pain and other symptoms of arthritis. Hence, patients are advised to limit the intake of animal proteins as part of the dietary measures to control arthritis.
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One of the essential fatty acids, omega-3, has inflammation soothing property and hence is beneficial in treating arthritis. Consuming more of fish or fish oil supplement is recommended for arthritis patients since fishes are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid.
Remember these simple facts and practices to lead a healthy and arthritis-free life.