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Alternative Diet for Arthritis

Watching what you eat is important for patients who suffer arthritis, a disease that attacks the joints of the body. The foods we eat play a role in the functioning of our immune system; by following a diet that helps strengthen your body, you'll help it fight against the progress of your disease. Whether by eliminating allergy-causing foods or switching to an alternative diet, find out how to help control your disease through diet.

  1. Elimination Diet

    • Removing foods that aggravate your arthritis can help minimize food-related flares and swelling. Elimination diets, in which you eat only one type of food for a meal or a day, can help pinpoint what foods and substances cause problems for you. Elimination diets should not substitute for healthy nutrition; ideally, they should be done under a doctor's supervision. Common "trigger" foods include corn, red meat, pork and peanuts. Foods made with these products, for example, peanut cookies, do not count for elimination diets, as they contain other ingredients that may affect your results. Try your elimination meal at night, so that you can observe your symptoms throughout the evening and the next morning, before breakfast. This will give you time to observe any reactions. Keep a log of your findings, for future reference and avoid foods that cause negative reactions, such as swelling, stiffness or redness.

    Vegan and Vegetarian Diets

    • Vegan or vegetarian diets have been helpful for some sufferers of arthritis, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center website. By eliminating a combination of animal fats, proteins and byproducts that may worsen inflammation and other symptoms, these diets focus on healthful nutrition composed of fruits, vegetables and nuts. Vegan diets exclude all animal by-products, while vegetarian diets allow consumption of milk and dairy products. If you are new to vegan or vegetarian eating styles, but want to see if it makes a difference in your arthritis, consult with a nutritionist to discover how to eat a balanced diet without animal products.

    Anti-inflammatory Diet

    • Choose foods known for their anti-inflammatory properties, such as antioxidant-rich brightly colored vegetables such as spinach, yellow peppers and citrus fruits; fish and nuts containing Omega-3 fatty acids; and spices like ginger, tumeric and cayenne pepper, as they may help fight inflammation. Compounds found in these spices have been shown to help ease inflammation and stiffness according to the University of Orgeon. Bake or steam foods for the best flavor and to preserve the nutrient content, and look for whole grain breads and cereals to add fiber to your diet. Finally, following a generally healthy diet and keeping your weight within recommended levels is important for those with arthritis, as excess weight will put added stress on your joints.

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