Arthritis Diet

Arthritis is the chronic inflammation of joints throughout the body. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is also known as “wear and tear” arthritis and degenerative joint disease. This form of arthritis typically affects the knee joint, the hips and other weight bearing joints. Other forms include rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis.

New treatments for arthritis are continually being researched. The most common arthritis medications are anti-inflammatory drugs which, although effective, have serious side-effects. They can cause weight gain, acne, osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cataracts and infections.

The newest research findings link arthritis not only to poor diet and obesity, but also to the overall state of the immune system.  Recently, researchers have found a protein in the immune system that malfunctions in patients who have arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.

What we eat often plays a role in the start of arthritis. There are a few changes anyone can make to their diet to successfully offset arthritis even without using arthritis medications.  The general North American diet contains an large amount of cooked, processed and other acid forming foods.   Instead of eating cooked foods that are acid forming, a diet of mostly raw, fresh vegetables, fruits and a small portion of meats are an excellent way to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, especially in the joints.

Antioxidants in brightly colored fruits and vegetables offer considerable protection against arthritis. By eating more yellow and orange fruits and vegetables you will consume antioxidants called carotenoids, which can reduce your chances of developing inflammatory arthritis.

Proper hydration is really important. You should drink at least a gallon of water per day and more if you consume sodas or coffees.
Arthritis is a condition that takes years to develop. In many cases, arthritis can be avoided or managed through the use of alternative methods that include proper nutrition, hydration and certain nutritional supplements that can reduce the pain caused by arthritis in your joints.