Diet for Pain Relief from Arthritis
Holistic Nutrition Arthritis Diet
A holistic approach to arthritis treatment includes holistic nutrition and an arthritist diet for pain relief.
Holistic remedies encompass herbs, supplements, homeopathic remedies, and exercises such as yoga. By far the easiest for most arthritis pain sufferers to try is holistic nutrition.
What is Arthritis?
The term arthritis encompasses several conditions characterized by pain and inflammation of the joints. Whether inflammation is caused by an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or caused by time and wear and tear on the joints, such as osteoarthritis, many arthritis sufferers seek relief from the pain and stiffness associated with the disease.
Holistic Nutrition Offers Pain Relief from Arthritis
What one eats affects the entire body. Foods contain so much more than vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates and protein. Holistic nutrition approaches pain relief from arthritis by suggesting arthritis patients avoid certain foods that can exacerbate the inflammatory response. Chemicals within certain foods can increase inflammation or reduce inflammation.
- Sugar: Pervasive in modern society, infused into nearly every packaged food, sugar in all its forms is an addictive food that provides no nutrients and only energy calories. Sugar reduces the ability of T-cells to fight infection and alters immune system function. Anyone with autoimmune disorders is urged to avoid white sugar.
- Nightshade Vegetables: Vegetables in the nightshade family may increase inflammation, and thus the pain of arthritis. These vegetables include potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and others. Avoid these vegetables if you have arthritis.
- Red Meat: Recent reports from England indicate that eating red meat several times a week can contribute to or worsen arthritis. Arthritis sufferers may wish to reduce or avoid red meat consumption.
Holistic Approach Includes Arthritis Diet
Although the list of foods to avoid for arthritis sufferers seems long, the list of delicious, healthy, and life-giving foods is even longer. A few simple choices each day can reduce pain and swelling and improve the quality of life for arthritis sufferers.
- Protein Sources: Fish provides excellent low-fat protein. Fish is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids. The ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids is much discussed today in nutrition literature. Most people eating a Western diet have a large quantity of omega-6, but few or no omega-3 fatty acids. This is opposite what nature intended for the human body. Increasing fish consumption or supplementing with flax or chia seeds provides additional sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This substance reduces inflammation.
- Vegetables: Every single study points to the health benefits of eating more vegetables and fruits. From among the vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, collards, and kale. Although many people avoid these foods, they're delicious, especially when prepared properly. Enjoy a fresh spinach salad for lunch, then slowly simmer a pot of white beans and kale for dinner. Other great vegetable choices include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, radishes and others.
- Fruit :Among the many fruits available, anything goes. Apples, oranges, pineapples, bananas, peaches, plums, pears, apricots, pomegranates...shop the grocery store and farmer's market with abandon. They're all delicious and good for you too!
- Whole Grains: Whole wheat breads, pastas and rice provide all the carbohydrates you need.
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet helps support the body so it can heal itself naturally. While some arthritic conditions may not be reversed, many sufferers can reduce their pain considerably by following some simple dietary advice. A consultation with a nutritionist, homeopathic physician or naturopath to learn more about holistic medicine for arthritis may yield additional diet or lifestyle advice to help you manage your condition.
Avoid Eggplant
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