Arthritis Protein Diet

Arthritis is a disease of inflammation that results in progressive levels of stiffness in the joints of the body. Although there is no cure for arthritis itself, the symptoms of arthritis can be managed through either prescription medication or adherence to a tailored anti-arthritis diet. A natural, high-protein diet can help to reduce inflammation in the body, providing some measure of relief from the pain of arthritis.

Arthritis Diet Theory

• Understanding the theory behind effective arthritis dieting can help you to better understand and adhere to a diet to alleviate arthritis. According to Arthritis Today, new information about the disease indicates that rheumatoid arthritis may be linked to an inflammatory response triggered by the body in response to ingestion of foods to which your body is allergic or intolerant. The body reacts to consumption of these foods by releasing substances to fight off the "threat," which trigger the symptoms of arthritis as a side effect. Thus, by avoiding foods which your body handles poorly, you can effectively manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis without resorting to medication. For sufferers of osteoarthritis, information from the Osteoarthritis Research Center recommends a diet that contains plenty of foods containing omega-3 fats, including seafood, nuts and vegetables. Finally, according to the Mayo Clinic, treatment for gout, the final type of arthritis, involves avoiding foods that are high in purines. These include foods such as herring, mackerel, anchovies and meat from the organs (kidney meat, brain and liver).

Protein Diet

• Follow a Caveman Diet as a high-protein solution for reducing arthritis symptoms. According to information from Arthritis Today, the Caveman Diet is an effective high-protein elimination diet for helping individuals with arthritis. To follow this approach, focus your diet exclusively on consumption of foods to which a caveman would have had access--only meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables (with a primary emphasis on seafood consumption). Wholly eliminate all other sources of food, including grains, flour, processed foods, junk food and alcohol. While following this approach, each meal should contain a protein source (from meat or seafood), a fruit and a vegetable. This will keep your diet balanced while ensuring that your body is receiving enough vitamins and nutrients to function at full capacity. One additional supplement to consider using during this time is fish oil, as the omega-3 fats contained therein can help to further reduce inflammation. Five to 10 grams daily should help. Follow this plan for a month, then gradually begin reintroducing other food types one at a time to see how they affect your arthritis symptoms. Add in one food type per week (such as grains, flour, dairy, etc) and note whether your symptoms begin to return. If they do, permanently exclude that type of food from your anti-arthritis diet.