Diet - Physical And Complementary Therapies: Arthritis

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Diet

The idea that a diet, supplement, or vitamin pill could prevent or cure arthritis is very appealing, but as yet there's no scientific evidence of an effective dietary solution for most types of arthritis. Gout, which can be triggered by certain foods, is the notable exception (see "Treating gout").

However, it is important to keep two issues in mind when it comes to diet. The first is that it's important to eat in a way that helps you to maintain a healthy weight, because excess pounds only increase the stress on your joints. To maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and eat a diet low in saturated and trans fats and high in vegetables and lean proteins.

Second, there is some evidence that omega-3 fats, found in cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel, may help reduce inflammation. And some early studies have found that consuming such fats on a regular basis can reduce morning stiffness and joint tenderness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. But it's too soon to know whether these results will hold up over time, or whether people can continue the diet without gaining weight — which would just create other problems. Even so, it may be wise to increase your consumption of omega-3 fats, if only because this type of diet is a good way to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Last updated:	September 05, 2008