Food Facts for Arthritics

You don't have to be a expert to know that whatever you eat effects your body in some way. It's totally obvious that certain foods and drinks are bad for us, just as some are good for us. The expression “you are what you eat” is true in more ways than one. On the rheumatoid arthritis front the trick is to not eat foods that can make you worse and to eat those that can help ease your condition. It is important for arthritics to eat a diet high in protein and to include complex carbohydrates and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (but not citrus fruits). Here is just some arthritis food advice about what you should or should not include in your diet. The “Yes” list for arthritics includes: Plenty of sulphur containing foods like garlic, onions and eggs.  Sulphur is needed for the repair and rebuilding of bone, cartilage and connective tissue, and aids in the absorption of calcium.  Vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, and non-acidic fruit. Whole grain (except wheat) such as millet and brown rice. Oily fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, sardine and pilchard. Avoid the tomato sauce in tinned fish.  Fresh pineapple (not dried or tinned) because the enzyme in pineapple helps reduce inflammation.  Apple cider vinegar is reputedly very good for people with arthritis. The “No” list for arthritics: Saturated fat and fried foods.  Try to avoid or at least reduce. All milk and other dairy produce.  Avoid. Avoid red meat. Vegetables like peppers, aubergine or eggplant, tomatoes and white potatoes. The solanine found in these foods can cause pain in the muscles to susceptible people.  Avoid table salt (sodium chloride) but include the natural sodium found in foods such as celery. This is needed to keep calcium in solution and not sit on top of your joints.  Avoid extra iron (unless you’re anaemic) There's evidence that iron may be involved in pain, swelling and joint destruction.  You do need some iron though, so eat broccoli, molasses, beetroot and peas.   Also there are dozens of useful supplements used to help alleviate symptoms of arthritis but with these - as with food - every person who has arthritis responds differently. So be prepared for a bit of trial and error till you discover what works best for you.