Diet Requirements for Osteoarthritis

Nearly 16 million people suffer from the affects of arthritis in America. Osteoarthritis is the most common type diagnosed. It is the degeneration of cartilage in a joint causing the bone to deform. This disease usually affects the hands, spine, hips and knees. Extreme cases can result in excruciating pain and loss of mobility. When diagnosed with osteoarthritis, it is important to implement some lifestyle changes to prevent the condition from worsening.

Supplements

• Usually, when an orthopedic doctor diagnoses osteoarthritis, they suggest adding a daily dosage of 500 to 1,500 mg of glucosamine/chondroitin. There is a significant amount of research that suggests that this supplement is important to joint health. It encourages the body to produce lubrication and shock absorption in the joints by strengthening the cartilage. Daily nutritional supplements that can benefit an osteoarthritis patient include SAMe and coenzyme Q10. Recommended dosage is 100 to 200 mg. Vitamin A, D, and E can benefit bones and joints with a 400 to 600 IU daily dosage. These are supplements that will help the body become healthier and your doctor can help you assess the proper dosage to benefit your body and medical history.

  Many who suffer with osteoarthritis are overweight. So a healthy and active lifestyle is also important to minimizing the symptoms associated with arthritis. Losing weight will decrease the amount of stress on the affected joint and slow the progression of arthritis. Make sure to also focus on strengthening the muscles around the joint so that they can better support the arthritic joint.

Foods That Soothe

• Though there is no diet specifically to heal osteoarthritis, there are foods that tame inflammation and strengthen bones. Such foods will help to ease the pain of arthritis sufferers. Omega-3 fatty acids block leukotrienes, which are inflammatory molecules produced by the body. Cold water fish as well as supplements are an excellent source of omega-3. It also can loosen stiffness and reduce soreness in the affected joint. Other foods with anti-inflammatory properties include: yucca, garlic, lemon, nut and seed based oils, pickles and parsley. Adding mustard, horseradish and rose hip tea to meals can increase a normal meal's healing properties.

  Papaya and pineapple contain digestive enzymes called bromelain, which reduces the discomfort of arthritis. This enzyme also helps with digestion. Staying properly hydrated is also very important. Water helps the body to produce the lubrication to cushion the bones in the joint.

Foods That Aggrevate

• People plagued with osteoarthritis need to avoid or limit foods that aid in mucus production, including dairy and gluten. If you have severe symptoms or discomfort, there may be an underlying allergy to nightshade foods. These foods contain an alkaloid that causes inflammation and robs the body of minerals. Examples of some nigtshade foods include potatoes, eggplant, Tabasco sauce, and bananas. Allergy testing or subtracting foods from your diet and noting the effects are the best ways to diagnose this reaction.

  Reducing the amount of red meat in your diet can also alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis. Refined and processed products offer no benefit and are a hindrance to weight loss and healthy living. Caffeine and other stimulants should be consumed in very low amounts or eliminated from your diet completely.