Best Diet to Soothe Arthritis Pain

The connection between arthritis pain and diet is an oft-studied and written about subject. Medical research has supported the helpfulness of eating — or not eating — some foods.

The Arthritis Foundation says although changing your diet won't cure arthritis, doing so can help fight arthritis symptoms like inflammation.

Keep in mind there isn't  an agreement in the medical community over the impact of nutrition or supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin on arthritis pain. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center cautioned that people should be careful about investing in their money, time and hopes into cures pushed by people who have no medical background. It’s estimated that arthritis patients spend more than $1 million every year on unproven treatments.

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While research has been focused on determining the impact of diet on arthritis, The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center says, "Many experts speculate that claims of nutritional remedies and cures with food or dietary supplements are related to the placebo affect." The medical organization says generally accepted treatments for inflammation like Omega-3 essential fatty acids show potential, but are not definitively helpful.

Still, even with concerns about how well diet changes work, most people in the arthritis world recommend a diet based on the popular Mediterranean Diet.

The Arthritis Foundation describes this diet as "low in processed foods and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans." It has been shown to be helpful in decreasing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. However, the Center for Science in the Public Interest pointed out that studies showing lowered inflammatory properties after the Mediterranean Diet may have been more to do with the weight loss people experienced. 

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Whether from weight loss or other reasons, studies have shown that eating fish, which contain Omega-3's, twice a week in 3 to 4 ounce portions, will decrease levels of inflammatory proteins such as C-reactive proteins (CRP). "More recently, research has shown that taking fish oil supplements helps reduce joint swelling and pain, duration of morning stiffness and disease activity among people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some of these patients even discontinued using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without experiencing a disease flare."

Nuts and seeds provide vitamin B6, inflammation-fighting monounsaturated fats and other properties that help fight arthritis pain. Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, helping the body's natural defense system.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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