Foods That Help Inflammation, Stiffness and Pain: Osteoarthritis Vs. Rheumatoid
How do you really know if you have arthritis when joint inflammation, stiffness and pain are characteristics of over 100 disorders? Lupus, Tenosynovitis, Bursitis, Lyme disease, fracture, Tendonitis, joint trauma and Hemophilia are a few disorders that share symptoms of inflammation of the joints. A medical diagnosis is a must, as surgical joint replacement may be what you require. There is so much that can be done at home to slow progression, alleviate discomfort and improve flexibility.
When the joint cartilage gradually breaks down, this painful condition is known as primary osteoarthritis and affects everyone over 40 to some degree. Stiffness and pain are the results of cartilage wears away at the frequently used joints and low spine areas. Physical stress of poor posture or obesity or joint injury or infections or a disease like diabetes can result in secondary osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe crippling pain as it is a systemic disease. It has a noted striking time between 20 and 40 years of age. The membranes lining the joints first become inflamed and will eventually erode. Things associated with the onset of rheumatoid arthritis or a recurrence are emotional stress, food reactions, autoimmune disorders and bacterial infections.
It is unknown to medical professionals as to why some people develop this arthritis and others don't experience it at all. A combination of factors do play a role like genetics of defective cartilage, after an injury or an overactive immune system that attacks the joint's connective tissue. With more research, dietary management for arthritis has made a significant change in how doctors view their approach to help deal with arthritis.
Two types of oils help with the inflammation commonly associated with arthritis; omega-3 from cold water fish like salmon and GLA (gamma linoleic acid) from borage, black current and evening prime rose. Medical researchers stated a reduction in redness and inflammation in different inflammatory arthritis like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis when these oils were taken over a 8 week period. If you have food allergies, inflammatory arthritis may flare up, as these foods could provoke flare-ups. Arthritis can't be cured, but can go into remission with a diet and lifestyle change to ease symptoms.
It is important to know that certain foods can either harm or help different types of arthritis. For example, gout is a metabolic disease with a build up of uric-acid crystals. It is advised to avoid major purine food contributors like organ meat, herring, anchovies and sardines. During an attack, stay away from consuming wine, beer and spirited drinks because they impair the body from eliminating uric-acid and increase the production. Cherries, pears and strawberries contain an enzyme that neutralize uric-acid, therefore should be consumed daily. Also, increase liquid intake to 2.5 litres to help flush excess uric-acid, and 1.5 litres should be water. The remaining amount of liquid can be herbal tea, low fat milk, fresh fruit or vegetable juice. Overall, different types of arthritis require different diets.
Not everyone will suffer from arthritis pain, and there is ways to prevent factors that contribute to arthritis, such as upgrading your diet and taking supplements to reduce cell damage. I recommend knowing what supplements you need as an individual because everyone requires different amounts of nutrients. Certain medications deplete the body of nutrients, so that is a factor. A holistic nutritionist will be able to prescribe individual supplements that your body needs by analyzing all your body systems and life style habits. General reading of what you should take for arthritis can possible harm or help you. Consulting with a RHN practitioner is the best way you can invest in yourself.
Oily Fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies) - Three times a week is the recommended over Omega 3 supplements.
Ginger - Consume every two or three days at minimum in your food (5g or more) to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties.
Lentils and Legumes, Whole Wheat, Wheat Germ and Oysters - They contain the essential mineral zinc that aids in proper immune system function. Consume one high zinc food daily.
Fresh Green and Yellow Vegetables - They contain antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin C to help reduce cell damage. Two servings minimum is recommended daily.
Citrus and Fresh Fruits - Daily consumption of citrus fruit is recommended for citrus flavonoids, which are noted for increasing the vitamin C effects and may help with inflammation.
