Proper nutrition to soothe your arthritis

GENERALLY, to cope with pain and aches associated with arthritis, people who suffer from the inflammatory condition depend heavily on a combination of medications. But dietician and nutritionist Jenelle Solomon says soothing these incapacitating joint pains could become easier by adjusting your diet.

“Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. There are a number of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and beans that research has shown possess anti-inflammatory qualities that could contribute to pain and inflammation reduction,” Solomon said.

She pointed out, however, that while this diet does not provide a permanent fix to the condition, or possess the ability to provide ease on its own, there is no reason that people who suffer from arthritis should need to depend solely on pain medication.

“Taking anti-inflammatory foods such as cod liver oil and fish oil, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is the first step to fighting inflammation by natural means. Adding other cold-water marine animals like mackerel, salmon, cod, flounder, tuna and sardines, and seeds and beans such as soy beans, flax and chia seeds in your diet will also contribute to this fight since they also contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) which have been found to be very effective in regulating and reducing the inflammation and swelling of arthritis,” Solomon advised.

Common spices including ginger and turmeric, according to recent research, also have anti-inflammatory components and features effective in suppressing inflammatory body chemicals. Therefore, adding these to your meals serve the benefit of adding more than flavour, Solomon said.

“Calcium is very important to developing and strengthening bones and a key agent in preventing osteoporosis, especially in older women,” Solomon said. This is found in milk, cheese, and probiotic yoghurt, for example. Vitamin D found in foods such as liver and eggs, on the other hand, is needed for the body to absorb calcium, and to guard against the possibility of your condition worsening.”

She said people who hope to control arthritis with more than just medication should ensure that they have an adequate intake of the trace minerals magnesium, selenium, folic acid, iron, lycopene, and vitamins B6 and B12.

Solomom also advised that strength-training exercises have been shown to reduce signs and symptoms of arthritis.

“Walking and other types of movement stimulate the formation of synovial fluids, which keep joints lubricated. A decrease or absence of movement decreases synovial fluid and increases chances of developing arthritis,” she said.