How Diet Can Affect Arthritis

• Food does not cause arthritis in the same way that food can sometimes trigger an allergic reaction. No one yet understands why some people develop arthritis, although factors seem to include such things as infection, injury, microorganisms and genetics. However, certain foods may cause an increase in the primary symptom of arthritis -- inflammation of the joints that results in pain and swelling.
  
  

Eliminating Foods That May Trigger Pain and Swelling

• A brochure found on the Santa Rosa (Florida) Senior Support Web site lists the following foods among those that may be "problematic" for arthritis sufferers: citrus fruits, sugar, soy, corn, safflower and sunflower oils, butter, dairy products, fatty cuts of meat, wheat, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, eggs, potatoes, peanuts, alcohol and coffee. While this list may appear extensive, it is made up primarily of foods rich in saturated or trans fats, highly refined carbohydrates or containing substances other that cause inflammation.
  
  

Increasing Levels of Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• If the primary symptom of arthritis is inflammation, then the inclusion of anti-inflammatory foods in the diet of an arthritis sufferer only makes sense. Anti-inflammatory foods include nuts, foods rich in omega-3 (such as fish and olive oil), most fruits and vegetables, cocoa and dark chocolate (as long as it is low fat and low sugar), certain herbs and spices, including garlic, ginger, turmeric, pepper and basil, and a moderate amount of alcohol (no more than one drink a day).
  
  

Other Factors That May Affect Arthritis Pain

• Drinking plenty of water is crucial for the arthritis sufferer. Water lubricates stiff joints and eases the pain of movement. However, there is some evidence that certain minerals in water (in particular fluoride and calcium) may actually increase the incidence of arthritis. Drinking filtered water is recommended.
  
  Being overweight places an additional stress on arthritic joints. For every 10 pounds of weight that you gain, you are increasing your risk of developing arthritis by 40 percent.
  
  Although exercise may not be a pleasant thought to an arthritis sufferer, it is, in fact, one of the best ways to manage the disease. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support the arthritic joints and reduces bone loss, besides reducing swelling and pain. The key is to start slowly, exercise consistently and avoid the temptation to overdo it when exercising.