Foods Recommended for Arthritis
Millions of people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, a chronic condition that affects the joints, causing pain, swelling and inflammation, resulting in a decline in productivity and quality of life. Although many believe that osteoarthritis results from gradual degeneration of the cartilages between overused joints, symptoms may actually be due to chronic low-grade inflammation. This was revealed in a study published in Nature by investigators at Stanford School of Medicine. William Robinson, MD, PhD, the study’s senior author states that arthritis may not just be a simple case of wear-and-tear, but may be linked to an attack by the immune system, just like rheumatoid arthritis.
Several studies have shown that certain foods can help relieve joint pains and morning stiffness, and reduce the need for medications. Conversely, some foods could worsen pain and increase inflammation. Although there is no definite cure for arthritis, eating diet that reduces inflammation can help reduce the symptoms and may also lower one’s risk for other chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research at the University of Maryland suggests that eating fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, tuna, and mackerel, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids combats joint pains and morning stiffness. Another study also found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis were able to reduce their doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) if they took fish oil supplements. Shellfish such as mussels have also been shown to improve grip strength, walking pace, joint stiffness, and pain.
A 2012 study, which was presented at the American College of Sports Medicine conference in San Francisco, demonstrated that tart cherries, known to “have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food,” reduce markers of inflammation and pain by more than 20% for most participants in the study.
Source:
Cool, L. A Diet to Defeat Arthritis. Yahoo.
Posted in: Arthritis, Diseases, Food, News Briefs, Omega-3
Tags: fatty fish, herring, joint pains, salmon, tuna
