Arthritis is a common chronic condition that affects 32.5 million people in the United States, according to research by Himanshi Mahajan, BSc (Life Sciences), American Health and Nutrition Coach. While there is no cure for the disease, an arthritis diet can help reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Benefits of diet for people with arthritis:
May help reduce inflammation
Diets for people with arthritis may help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. Incorporating certain foods such as walnuts, ginger, and garlic may reduce inflammation and reduce the rate of bone destruction. However, more research is needed to prove their effectiveness.
May help relieve pain symptoms
In a study of 217 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 24% of participants reported that food affected their symptoms, and 15% reported an improvement in symptoms after making dietary changes. Researchers found that blueberries and spinach were the foods that improved their symptoms.
May improve joint health
Adding foods like berries, grapes, walnuts and spinach to your diet, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, helps support joint health, prevents cartilage degeneration and may slow the progression of arthritis.
May help with weight control
A balanced diet for people with arthritis includes eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean meats and eliminating processed foods, which can help maintain a healthy weight. This can reduce stress on the joints and potentially help reduce pain.
Can improve quality of life
Improved joint function and mobility along with reduced pain enable people to participate in daily activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle, thereby improving quality of life.
