Nutritious Eating Is Important
It is well-recognized that a healthy diet is important for everyone. Arthritis patients, however, sometimes look beyond this notion of healthy eating and look to diet for a cure. The link between diet and arthritis is complex.
There is evidence that diet can influence some types of arthritis, but to fully understand this, the type of arthritis and the kind of diet must be considered. One example is gout, which is affected by high uric acid levels. A diet which is low in alcohol and purine-rich foods can lower blood uric acid levels and lessen the likelihood of a gout attack. Purines are natural substances found in certain foods. Alcohol is known to alter purine metabolism. Dietary changes may decrease the severity or frequency of gout attacks. Dietary modifications may also be preferred by people who cannot tolerate gout medications.
Excess Body Weight
Excess body weight influences arthritis by putting extra strain on already burdened joints. Clinical experience has shown researchers that people who are 20 percent or more over normal body weight have more problems with their arthritis. Seemingly the weightbearing joints are most affected by carrying the extra weight. The extra load placed on the weightbearing joints (more specifically the knees, hips, ankles, feet, and spine) can increase the pain in those joints.
The increased pain, resulting sedentary lifestyle, and further weight gain can become a vicious cycle. Osteoarthritis patients commonly deal with this problem of battling weight gain. Rheumatoid arthritis patients who are on corticosteroid therapy (i.e. prednisone) are warned about increased appetite, fluid retention and unavoidable weight gain as side effects of the therapy.
Allergens May Trigger Flares
It is believed by some people that particular foods act as allergens which can trigger arthritis flares. Although no specific food has been implicated as a cause of arthritis it is known that foods can alter the function of the immune system. Examples of immune-mediated reactions include:
- asthma
- rashes
- hives
In regard to arthritis, these are often viewed as possible offenders:
- caffeine
- dairy products
- nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, etc.)
- sugar
- additives and preservatives
- chocolate
- red meats
- salt
Even if food allergy was a cause of arthritis, not every person would be found to be allergic to the same food. The way to test for a food allergy is to employ an elimination diet, whereby it is observed if the arthritis improves when the suspect food is removed from the diet.
Dietary Guidelines - Eating Healthier
Seven Dietary Guidelines originally published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
Diet And Arthritis: The Bottom Line
Well-balanced nutritious meals are important for the overall good health of everyone. Maintain as close to your ideal body weight as possible. Avoid fad diets and unproven diet claims that may end up robbing your body of essential nutrients.
Related Resources - Diet And Arthritis
Sources: The Duke University Medical Center Book of Arthritis, by David S. Pisetsky, M.D., Ph.D. with Susan Flamholtz Trien; Arthritis: What Works, by Dava Sobel and Arthur C. Klein
