Arthritis Control Diet

Arthritis is a condition affecting mostly older adults that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many theories floating around that claim that certain dietary changes can bring relief to arthritic patients. Some of these claims have empirical support, while others seem purely anecdotal.

Anecdotal Remedies

• The following dietary suggestions have been made by patients but lack experimental support: eliminating potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants; increasing intake of yams, vegetables, and gin-soaked raisins. You may try following these anecdotal home remedies in moderation, but medical research suggests they have little effect on arthritis. Be especially careful adding gin-soaked raisins to your diet; while gin may provide temporary pain relief, alcohol can weaken the immune system and add more problems to your arthritis.

Medically Supported Diets

• There are diets that have been shown to provide relief to arthritis patients. Omega-6 fatty acids worsen inflammation while omega-3 fatty acids alleviate the symptoms. To make this change in your diet, decrease your intake of meat and poultry and eat more cold-water fish. Other foods with known anti-inflammatory effects include ginger and fish oil. The best dietary advice is to maintain a balanced diet and healthy body weight to avoid placing undue strain on bones and joints.

Supplements

• Some supplements have been shown to address the symptoms of arthritis. ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiable) speeds up cartilage repair and relieves pain from osteoarthritis. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is especially effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and will reduce pain and joint stiffness. Glucosamine, which is derived from shellfish, stimulates cartilage repair and relieves joint pain.