You Are What You Eat Is There An Arthritis Diet.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans. As baby boomers continue to age, the disease becomes more and more prominent. In the past, treatments have been limited to medical models. Prescription pain medications and over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs have been used for decades in the treatment of arthritis pain and
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While treating inflammation and pain can improve the persons quality of life, it may cause a person to become more and more dependent on stronger and stronger medication. Such side-effects as drowsiness, mood change and dependency leads some to find alternatives to the medicines. Unfortunately, the science is still in early stages in studying folk remedies and other natural methods of controlling arthritis.

Obesity and Arthritis

Researchers continue to find links between obesity and countless conditions. An obese persons life expectancy is seven to eight years shorter than the normal life expectancy. In addition, extra weight carries extra burdens on muscles and joints exacerbating conditions such as arthritis, though as of yet, there is no definitive proof that arthritis is more likely in obese patients.

Since obesity is a very treatable condition, what one eats is very important to ones health. Still, the question remains, is there an effective arthritis diet.

Balance is the Key to Arthritis Diet

Certain foods and dietary supplements may affect positive results on arthritis diet. A person who eats a balanced diet as recommended by the USDA food pyramid, can give their bodies the necessary nutrients to help in controlling arthritis. Foods that contain Omega 3, anti-oxidants, and fatty acids should be enhanced. Reducing animal fats and increasing ones intake of nuts, beans and fish may produce beneficial results. Anti-oxidants are shown to decrease inflammation. An arthritis diet should include those foods which are rich in these substances.

However, it is important that an arthritis diet be a balanced diet. Those diets which eliminate entire food groups such as fats, carbohydrates and so on should be avoided if one is trying to follow a healthy arthritis diet. Loosing weight will help with the joints, but denying proteins and other necessary dietary needs will often produce serious side-effects.

The best arthritis diet is a balanced diet that is rich in foods that contain those elements that decrease inflammation. Controlled caloric intake can help reduce obesity which in turn reduces pressure on the joints. In short, there is no arthritis diet that is a shortcut to relief for arthritis. Still one can do much toward alleviating symptoms by remaining fit and healthy.