Food and Diet Therapy:

Nutrition is very important in the prevention of arthritis. The first step taken to combat the symptoms of arthritis is the maintennance of a healthy weight. Overweight persons should lose weight by doing exercise and shifting into a healhty diet. A healthy diet should consists of fresh fruits and vegetables free from chemical preservatives and if possible free from chemical fertilizers. Avoidance of food sources high in saturated fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils is necessary.  At least 1/3 of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have some sensitivty or allergy of the nightshade family of plants.  The nightshade family of plants include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant and tobacco. Any sensitivity or allergy to the nighshade family of plants can make the symptoms of arhritis worts.  Maintain at least 6 to 8 glasses of purified water daily because this will help flush out the toxic substances inside your body.

Recommended Foods to eat:

Green vegetables, such as watercress, parsley, celery, kale, and okra, Seaweeds, Carrots, Spirulina, Barley and wheat grass food products, Avocados, Pecans, Potassium broth, Soy products, Whole grains like brown rice, millet, oats, wheat, and barley, Cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, or herring.

Foods that you should avoid:

Foods that inhibit calcium: red meat, dairy, eggs, and chicken, Alcohol, Coffee, Refined sugar, Excess salt.

Foods with high oxalic acid content: Rhubarb, Cranberries, Plums, Chard, Spinach.

Nightshade Plant Family: Tomatoes, Eggplant, Potatoes, Peppers, Tobacco.

Buckwheat, Dairy foods, All animal fat, Nuts, oil-rich nuts and seeds, and peanut butters.

References:

Lithell H, Bruce A, Gustafsson IB, et al. A fasting and vegetarian diet treatment trial on chronic inflammatory disorders. Acta Derm Venereol 1983;63:397-403.

Sobel D. Arthritis: What Works. New York, St. Martin’s Press, 1989.

Skoldstam L, Larsson L, Lindstrom FD. Effects of fasting and lactovegetarian diet on rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 1979;8:249-55.

Skoldstam L. Fasting and vegan diet in rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 1986;15:219-23.

McDougall J, Bruce B, Spiller G, Westerdahl J, McDougall M. Effects of a very low-fat, vegan diet in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Feb;8(1):71-5.

Hafstrom I, Ringertz B, Spangberg A, von Zweigbergk L, Brannemark S, Nylander I, Ronnelid J, Laasonen L, Klareskog L. A vegan diet free of gluten improves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: the effects on arthritis correlate with a reduction in antibodies to food antigens. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2001 Oct;40(10):1175-9.

Page last updated: May 02, 2009