Are Some Foods Causing Your Arthritis?

By:Dan Farrell

Does eating certain foods help to cure arthritis?

Conversely, is the elimination of certain foods any help in controlling this debilitating and painful disease? With over 100 different forms of arthritis and not a lot of research into its causes and cures,
the debate rages on.

Because the symptoms of arthritis often seem to come and go without warning it’s hard to tell whether any sudden relief was due to a new diet or not. It is important for the sufferer to be able to choose a new treatment because it makes him feel to some degree in control of his life and also gives hope, an important consideration.

Researchers have discovered that a diet including too many calories can actually aggravate RA, while 5% of sufferers in another study showed a flare-up of
symptoms after drinking milk. A reduction of fat, dairy and red meat was shown to relieve pain. In 1998, Finnish researchers found that the addition of lactobacillus improved symptoms of RA. This was supported by animal experiments, where mice given lactobacillus were found to be less likely to develop the disease and their immune systems were more able to cope with it if they did.

One thing to remember when following any diet is that the nutrients lost through the elimination of any foods must be replaced by other means. Certain foods or food groups often seem to cause a worsening of arthritis symptoms. In this case, an elimination diet could be helpful. All suspected foods must be completely eliminated from the diet for several weeks, then reinstated one at a time over a period of several days. If the symptoms of pain and inflammation re-occur after each food is eaten again, then it could be a culprit. This should be done at least three times to determine that there were no other factors involved. If an elimination diet is followed, it is wise to keep two diaries. One of the food eaten and at what times and dates, the other of the dates and times of pain flare-ups.

When the two are compared, it will be plain to see what was eaten that could have caused pain.

Some of the food groups that are suspected of causing pain are the nightshade group ie, white potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and bell peppers. Others are red
meat, lemons, grapefruit, corn, wheat, rye and milk, eggs coffee, sugar and cheese.

One of the main studies done way back in the 1950’s has shown that fish oil has a very beneficial affect on arthritis pain. Fish oil supplements are widely taken, but in some cases cause unwelcome side effects like a fishy after-taste, gas and an upset stomach. Some researchers recommend simply adding omega 3’s to the diet by eating cold-water fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, anchovies, bluefish and mullet.

Another study, researched and supported by the University of Manchester, discovered that people with high levels of beta-cryptoxanthin were 40% less likely to develop arthritis. This is classed as a pro-vitamin A carotenoid which can be found in all yellow or orange- fleshed fruits and vegetables. It enhances bone, skin and immune health. Pumpkin, winter squash and peppers are the vegetables with the highest levels of beta-cryptoxanthin, while tangerines, persimmons and papayas are the fruits with the highest levels.

Because the symptoms of arthritis often seem to come and go without warning it’s hard to tell whether any sudden relief was due to a new diet or not. It is important for the sufferer to be able to choose a new treatment because it makes him feel to some degree in control of his life and also gives hope, an important consideration.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: arthritis diet, arthritis symptoms, arthritis treatment

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Read more on arthritis, arthitis diet and arthritis treatment at Arthritis Diet

Top Nutrition Articles
1). Nutrional Dos and Dont's By : Paul Duxbury An overview of some key issues in Nutrition and weight loss.
2). All About Protein By : Ken_B Proteins are very important to our bodies. It isn't just for bodybuilders who use them to gain muscle mass. Those who are sick use them to rebuild damaged tissue and even in normal states, our body uses protein for many different tasks. Proteins are made of amino acids that are folded together. There are essential amino acids - those that our body cannot make, and non essential amino acids - those that our body can make.
3). How To Find Really Healthy Food in the Grocery Store By : Kim Beardsmore Do you really know what is healthy food? We all try and stick to choosing healthy items when grocery shopping or eating out, but how well do we really know our foods? Discover how to find out about reading between the lines, what to look out for in labels and how to dine out healthily. When shopping in your local supermarket, it's very easy to be attracted to colourful aisles filled with crisps and chocolates.
4). Give Brown Bag Lunches A Nutritious Makeover By : Wayne Ryan There's no reason to rely on the same old brown bag lunch every day. Create simple, wholesome recipes and "out of the box" lunches to help beat brown bag lunch boredom and give you and your kids more nutritious choices. Let's face it, the main staple of most brown bag lunches is a sandwich made with lunch meat. In fact, according to ACNielsen research, lunch meat is purchased by 85 percent of U.
5). The Dangers of Sodas and Diet Drinks By : Dianne Ronnow Sodas and colas are incredibly popular across the world. These beverages account for more than a quarter of all drinks consumed in the United States. More than 15 billion gallons were sold in 2000. That works out to at least one 12-ounce can per day for every man, woman and child. Sodas are full of empty calories and will contribute to obesity, tooth decay, weakened bones and caffeine dependence.
6). Lack Of Vitamins Is The Result Of Careless Nutrition By : Jennie Winter One of the most common deficiencies is that in iron; about two to three millions of people suffer from the lack in iron in their blood and some develop the anemia hypo ferric or the iron-deficiency, which is the latest stage of this kind of deficiency. Those who are usually in high risk are children and women in fecundity periods. Until the 80-ties this phenomena was very common with babies and little children.
7). Sources of Vitamins When A is What You Need By : Bob Benson Of the vitamins necessary for a healthy life, Vitamin A is one that’s often overlooked. You seldom hear anyone touting the positive effects of Vitamin A, but it is one of the most necessary vitamins for proper growth and development. In addition, Vitamin A is also necessary for the proper function of the reproductive organs and the immune system. Children who are deprived of Vitamin A at an early age may experience severe health problems related to an underdeveloped immune system.
8). Herbal Nutrition Supplements By : Brad Jones Herbal nutrition supplements the Alternative to hormone replacement therapy Hair loss is a genetic/hormonal process that can affect both men and women. Hormones that bind to hair follicles can cause an imbalance in the biological processes that cause hair growth. Eventually, excess hormonal action on the follicle causes hair to stop growing and the follicle dies.
9). Getting a Healthy Breakfast By : Peter Garant jr. Breakfast, like any other meal of the day, needs proper planning. No longer is it planned independently of the other meals. The three meals should be planned as a unit and balanced against the daily body requirement with enough allowance for good health. A light breakfast must necessarily be followed be a substantial meal, while a heavy breakfast must be followed by a light lunch.
10). Vitamins How to Get the Most From Your Diet By : Bob Benson It’s not easy to eat right, but when you are going out of your way to eat healthy you should be sure that you’re getting the most from your foods. One important issue regarding vitamins is that some foods lose their vitamin content when they’re not handled properly. Raw is better. It’s a simple fact of fruits and vegetables that cooking tends to damage vitamin content.

New Nutrition Articles
1). Are you a Weight Watcher? By : Nicky Pilkington The decision to lose weight is not one that many people make lightly - excuse the pun. Often, it has been flitting around in the mind for years. It may even have been reached, acted on and abandoned as another fad diet bit the dust. Then, a rogue photograph appears depicting you doing your best whale impression, or you are unexpectedly required to move quickly (perhaps during a fire drill at work, where everyone sees you panting), and almost expire from the effort. Shamed into action you decide once again that another attempt to shed weight will be worthwhile.
2). There is Only One Healthy Way to Weight Loss By : Gail Metcalf Weight loss is attained through balanced nutrition and self-discipline.
3). Fight Aging with Proper Nutrition and Exercise By : Paul Ghossain You will find that people who take care of their bodies properly and maintain good nutrition typically look and feel much younger than others who are in their age group.
4). What Is the Beef About Protein? By : Valerie Slaughter We have been constantly bombarded with news that protein is not good for us. Eat more carbohydrates has been the montra. But, is that really true?
5). Guidance on the Proper Nutrition for Teens By : Paul Ghossain It is important to ensure that your teenager is getting the right nutritional balance each day. The best way to do this is to provide your teenager with the resources that he or she needs in order to know the consequences and benefits of dietary choices.
6). Healthier Food Choices For Your Family By : Kathleen Frassrand Todays meals are all about quick and easy. Buying pre-packaged meals may save time, but we sacrifice nutrition. Here are some ideas on how to change your food lifestyle.
7). Cranberries Are Great Antioxidants By : Joe Bella Nutrition experts have learned that cranberries are one of the richest sources of bioflavonoids, antioxidants proven to destroy tissue-damaging free radicals and reinforce the cells that make up blood vessel walls which results in significantly enhanced blood circulation.
8). Little Known Benefits Of Taking Vitamin B1 By : Ben Adams The truth behind vitamin B1 and how it affects your physical wellbeing.
9). The Glycemic Index, What You Should Know About It By : Jim Oneill As of late, there has been much mention about the glycemic index. People everywhere talk about it and food advertisements use it liberally to promote certain products. But just what is this glycemic index and what does it mean for you? Why is it that people are resorting to it as a means of weight loss and overall healthy eating choices? What is the reason that the G.
10). Antioxidants: Eat All Your Colors! By : Shari Hearn Antioxidants are all the rage today. And, justifiably so. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals which cause cell damage, which ultimately can lead to diseases of the heart and cancer. It seems everywhere you go its blueberry this and blueberry that. You have your choice of wild blueberry juice, blueberry-pomegranate juice, blueberry-cranberry juice and so on and so on.