Last updated on December 14, 2015
Much has been said about what ‘not’ to eat when a person is suffering from arthritis. It’s time to discuss what delicacies should be savoured by the patient. Arthritis causes immense joint pain. So the diet should include intake of food items that fight inflammation. It is necessary to understand that a proper dietary intake is as important as the medicines prescribed.
Before an arthritis patient changes his or her diet, they should concentrate on shedding some extra pounds if they are overweight. If a person is overweight, constant stress on the joints will cause wear and tear. Moreover, body fat produces hormones and chemicals which increase the inflammation in joints. Hence, exercise should be the first priority of an arthritis patient.
Diet can be a friend or a foe while fighting against rheumatoid arthritis. The patient needs to try different food items that are known to relieve joint pain as different food items will suit different people. Here’s a list of commonly known food items that have anti-inflammatory properties:
Omega-3 fatty acids
While other fats increase inflammation in the body, omega-3 fatty acids are known to work in the reverse manner. They decrease the inflammation in joints. A lot of studies have shown that omega-3 fish oils reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Flaxseed oil, walnuts, seafood, soybeans, etc. also contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids.
Extra-virgin olive oil
Vegetable oil or butter contains fats which cause inflammation of joints. Olive oil contains anti inflammatory properties. It can be used instead of vegetable oil or butter in equal or lesser amounts as the excess oil is not very good for arthritis patients.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are cell damaging molecules that are produced due to inflammation. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C help in killing the free radicals. So antioxidants are a very important part of an anti inflammatory diet. Food items such as guava, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, papayas, broccoli, kiwi, mangoes, etc. are rich in Vitamin C. Selenium and carotenes are also important antioxidants.
Spices
Spices such as turmeric and ginger help arthritis patients. They both contain chemicals found in anti inflammatory drugs. Ginger tea, low fat ginger muffins, chicken curry with turmeric, etc. are wise food options.
Apart from these, there are some yummy desserts an arthritis patient can indulge in without any guilt. The below mentioned desserts will satisfy any arthritis patient’s sweet tooth while taking care of their nutritional needs:
Fruit salad
Oranges and strawberries or fruits rich in Vitamin C have anti-inflammatory compounds. Use them in fruit salads.
Dark chocolate
Chocolates having a high percentage of cocoa, at least 60-70%, are nutritious.
Yogurt with granola
This dessert is full of antioxidants and proteins. Make sure to buy low fat yogurt
Cottage cheese with berries and cinnamon
Cottage cheeses contain a lot of proteins and according to many studies, cinnamon contains anti inflammatory properties.
Pineapple cake
Pineapple contains Vitamin C, which is good for arthritis patients.
Cherry cobbler
Cherry too contains vitamin C. It is advisable to eat a small serving of cobbler.
Chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis can be controlled not only by medicine, but also by mouth watering dishes. A rigorous diet has to be followed, of course, but that does not mean the patient has to miss out on tasty delicacies that others enjoy.
Manveer Singh is associate with mChemist is the first fully legalized online pharmacy in India. It provides authentic medicines only for the written prescription from legitimate doctor. mChemist is functional online medicine service that along with medicines avail protein supplements and healthcare devices for purchase.
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