| The term "arthritis" is derived from the | | | | |
| Greek... "arthron" meaning joint... and "it | | | | Secret # 3: Go for veggies and fruits. Many |
| is" meaning inflammation. Most types of | | | | vegetables and fruits are high in |
| arthritis are associated with inflammation. | | | | antioxidants that fight inflammation. Berries |
| Inflammation is a defense mechanism the body | | | | such as blueberries and cherries are |
| employs to fight infection, tumors, and other | | | | excellent and tasty sources of |
| foreign invaders. The mediator of this | | | | anti-inflammatory ingredients. Pineapple is a |
| inflammatory response is the immune system. | | | | good source of bromelain, an excellent |
| | | | anti-oxidant. |
| Picture an army of warriors - the immune | | | | |
| response- which is ready and eager to take on | | | | Secret # 4: Avoid the white poisons. Often |
| the task of protecting you against enemies. | | | | ingredients like refined sugar, refined flour |
| Inflammation is regulated so that under | | | | and salt are used in the production of |
| normal circumstances, once the problem is | | | | processed foods such as white bread, sugary |
| taken care of, inflammation stops. | | | | cereals, candies, and pastries. These white |
| Unfortunately, inflammation can escape this | | | | poisons promote inflammation and should be |
| control mechanism and become chronic. Chronic | | | | avoided. |
| inflammation, it is believed, is the | | | | |
| underlying basis for the development of | | | | Secret # 5: Reduce the amount of red meat in |
| diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and | | | | your diet: Animal protein contains large |
| heart disease. | | | | amounts of pro-inflammatory fatty acids. |
| | | | |
| So is there a way to manipulate the diet so | | | | Secret #6: Reduce the amount of trans fat in |
| that arthritis damage caused by inappropriate | | | | your diet. Trans fats, which are present in |
| inflammation can be controlled? Recent | | | | fried foods, cakes, pies, cookies, and other |
| research has suggested that diets that | | | | baked goods, increase low density cholesterol |
| contain omega-3 fatty acids that combat | | | | (LDL). This is the bad cholesterol that is |
| inflammation may be useful. Also, the | | | | pro-inflammatory. |
| elimination of foods containing omega-6 fatty | | | | |
| acids which promote inflammation is also | | | | Secret # 7: Use more spices: Spices such as |
| helpful. | | | | curcumin, garlic, ginger, contain ingredients |
| | | | which have been shown in some well-controlled |
| Here is a list of seven "insider secrets" | | | | studies to reduce the inflammation of |
| that you should know about. | | | | arthritis. |
| | | | |
| Secret #1: Make cold water fish part of your | | | | Some people have claimed that dairy products |
| diet at least two to three times a week. | | | | and nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, |
| Examples include cold water salmon (not farm | | | | potatoes, and tomatoes, cause their arthritis |
| raised), sardines, herring, cod, and trout. | | | | to get worse. There may be some individual |
| The reason? These types of fish are rich in | | | | food sensitivities/ allergies that do |
| omega-3 fatty acids. If fish is something you | | | | aggravate arthritis. However, a blanket |
| don't enjoy, consider flax seed, walnuts, or | | | | statement about the role of dairy products |
| dietary fish supplements... all of which also | | | | and nightshade plants is not warranted. At |
| contain significant amounts of omega-3. | | | | our center we do suggest the use of food |
| (Note: If you are a blood thinner, consult | | | | allergy testing in individuals who have |
| your doctor before taking a dietary | | | | arthritic symptoms that are troublesome and |
| supplements with omega-3 since your drug dose | | | | appear to be food-induced. For more |
| may need to be adjusted.) | | | | information about food allergy testing, call |
| | | | us at (301) 694-5800. |
| Secret #2: Reduce the amount of certain oils | | | | |
| such as corn oil, sunflower oil, and | | | | Finally, dietary manipulation should not be |
| safflower oil. These contain large amounts of | | | | used as a substitute for proper and |
| omega-6 fatty acids that promote | | | | aggressive conventional medical care. A |
| inflammation. Use olive oil or canola oil | | | | rheumatologist should be consulted. |
| instead. | | | | |