Planning an Arthritis Diet

Arthritis diets are a hugely controversial subject amongst experts and sufferers as it is very difficult to prove whether what we eat has an effect on the condition. Of course, many people swear by their arthritis diet and if it works for them then there's no reason why other anxiety sufferers shouldn't at least try it to see if it work for them too. We've compiled some information and meal ideas on the arthritis diet so that you can plan your own.

Firstly it's important to understand that an arthritis diet doesn't just involve adding certain foods to improve joint health but also removing certain foods that may be causing problems too. Also, if you are removing certain foods from the diet then it is absolutely essential to replace the nutrients you get from them with other foods, so that the health of the rest of your body isn't compromised. This is easily done when you research the alternatives. Although it is preferred that you eat them, even if you don't like the foods that provide those nutrients, you can replace them with supplements bought at your local health food store.

One group of people with arthritis who are guaranteed to benefit from a change in diet is those who are overweight. Being overweight puts more pressure on the joints, meaning that they become damaged quicker and with more severity. Reducing body weight slowly and sensibly to a point where the weight can be maintained easily is essential for good joint health and slowing the effects of arthritis. The best way to do this is to keep one week's food diary and take this to your doctor who may either plan out a safe and healthier diet for you, or refer you to a nutritionist.

If you are not overweight and simply wish to improve your arthritis through diet then look to simply changing around your portions of different food groups and adding a bit of variety. The key to having healthy joints, bones, skin, teeth, hair and everything else besides is to balance your diet. This means you should be eating 1/3 carbohydrates/starch such as potatoes, bread and pasta (preferably wholegrain), 1/3 fruit and veg (not including potatoes as they are starchy), 1/6 dairy products (or soy alternative if you are lactose intolerant), 1/8 protein which is meat, fish and eggs and only occasional treats such as chocolate and sweets.

As well as following this advice you should look at the quality of what you are actually eating. Obviously, a fresh chicken breast is going to be much better for you than a fried chicken wing. Try to eat 'good' fats, which are either polyunsaturated or mono unsaturated (found in avocados, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, seeds, nuts and oily fish such as salmon or trout) as opposed to saturated fats (found in pies, pastries, cakes, cream and cookies).

The important thing with an arthritis diet is that you should make changes slowly but surely. Going from very unhealthy to too healthy might damage your joints even more than not changing your diet would, so cut one thing out a week and replace it with something healthier and spend time researching healthy recipes that you will truly enjoy.

Source: Health Guidance