Arthritis Answers

What Is The Best Diet For Arthritis?

Opinion differs when it comes to the theory of your diet having any kind of direct effect on arthritis. Many doctors believe that no food can change the deficiencies that cause arthritis and therefore argue that the theory is not true except for the fact that a healthy diet means you are more likely to have a lower bodyweight and thereby lower the effects of arthritis. There are however many who believe the contrary and think that the nutritional value of food plays an important part in lessening the effects of painful arthritis.

It has been reported by some arthritis sufferers that certain food types aggravate their condition and make their symptoms worse, although again this is a small number of people and official proof has yet to be collated properly. Some patients who have experimented with oily foods, or foods containing large amounts of zinc or copper have reported that their symptoms have become moderately better, but again this is only a tiny percentage of patients and scientists are yet to obtain any solid proof. The common belief is that a diet containing a high amount of vitamins and minerals is the ideal diet for an arthritis sufferer as many arthritis sufferers have very low levels of certain vitamins. Sufferers may also show a lack of folic acid and calcium, an essential ingredient in the promotion of healthy bones and joints. Some vitamins have been known to lower the pain of arthritic joints by decreasing the corrosion of joint linings.

In general, the best type of diet that a sufferer of arthritis can have is one with variation and a healthy intake of both fruit and vegetables. There is very little difference to the type of diet that would be suggested to anybody who wants to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle. Avoid sugars and alcohol where possible as well as fats and foods with high levels of cholesterol. Ensure that you exercise regularly and control your bodyweight at all times. Ultimately, your bodyweight and the effect that has on arthritis is the number one method of using diet to control your arthritis.