Reduce Arthritis Pain by Changing Your Diet

Many people have long believed that certain foods contributed to arthritis pain flare ups. For years, people who claimed to experience pain relief by eliminating certain foods and food groups from their diet were dismissed. Today, physicians and laypersons alike are discovering that diet is often linked to worsening or improvement of conditions like arthritis.

People suffering from joint pain have revealed that red meat, fat, salt, caffeine, sugar and tomatoes were foods that made joint pain worse. When the offending foods were removed from the diet, the arthritis pain was reduced.

Certain dairy products, especially cow's milk, are also associated with increased pain in arthritis sufferers. While a strong connection has not yet been made, it is feasible that arthritis and the consumption of milk products are linked when there are signs of a milk allergy. An allergic response is a sign that the body recognizes something as harmful or foreign, which can trigger a systemic inflammatory reaction. Various studies have pointed out that some people who suffer from arthritis may have an allergy to cow's milk. The proteins found in cow's milk, such as casein and whey, have also been found to be possible allergic triggers. However, cow's milk also contains hormones and antibiotics which may also cause health problems in some people. If you believe cow's milk is causing your arthritis symptoms, then eliminate all foods that contain cow's milk from your diet for at least 2 weeks. If your symptoms improve, then you should consider getting your calcium from other food sources. Some foods that are abundant in calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, sardines, almonds, and tofu.

Dietary changes can help relieve the discomfort of arthritis. Omega-3 oils taken as a supplement or by eating foods rich in omega-3 and polyunsaturated fats helps relieve joint pain. Foods rich in natural plant fats and antioxidants, but low in saturated fats may help relieve joint pain. Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help cleanse the body of cell destroying free radicals. A diet of grains, beans, fruits and vegetables can help relieve joint pain. Keep a food diary to document pain flare ups in connection with the kinds of food you eat. If you notice your joint discomfort increase or decrease in connection with a particular food, adjust your diet accordingly. Adding a dietary supplement of fatty acids may help if a change in diet does not provide adequate pain relief. Flaxseed or blackcurrant oil is available at health food stores. See your physician before beginning a regimen of supplements and always follow the dosage instructions.

Foods that usually contribute to arthritis pain are all dairy products, corn, meat, eggs, potatoes and citrus fruits. Grains such as wheat, oats and rye have also been linked to joint discomfort. Nuts, coffee and tomatoes have also been linked to increases in arthritis pain. Eliminating or reducing these foods from your diet may help reduce joint pain.

Foods that will almost never contribute to increased arthritis pain or other inflammation are brown rice, dried and cooked fruits, pears, prunes and cranberries. Vegetables such as artichokes, broccoli, lettuce, beans, squash and sweet potatoes should not contribute to increased discomfort. Include brightly colored vegetables like pumpkin and greens cooked or raw in your diet. Drinks that contain caffeine may cause increased joint pain. Eliminate caffeine from your diet to help alleviate the pain of arthritis.