Since 1984, the Arthritis Research Institute of America [a 501(c)(3) Charity] has focused 100% of it\\\'s efforts on osteoarthritis research. Over 3,700 volunteers from Florida have participated in the longitudinal Clearwater Osteoarthritis Study. The study was designed to discover why some people develop this disease and others do…
Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints of chronic degenerative nature when the cartilage tissue of their surface is damaged. This term combines a group of diseases, in which the entire joint suffers (not only articular cartilage but also ligaments, capsule, periarticular muscles, synovial membrane, and subchondral bone).
The most common cause of this disease is various injuries. Joint dysplasia (congenital changes in the joints) can also cause osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis provokes an inflammatory process that can occur against the background of autoimmune system diseases.
Osteoarthritis can also appear because of the following:
Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Regardless of the form of the disease, adherence to a therapeutic diet for osteoarthritis is a prerequisite for delaying deformity. If you continue eating unhealthy food, then complete destruction of the joint can occur, and the limb will no longer move.
Only rational nutrition along with exercises will help you reduce your body weight. A decrease in body weight for 1.5 kg leads to an improvement in well-being in 20–25% of people with knee joint damage. Weight reduction for 5 kg contributes to slowing the progression of the disease by 50%. At the same time, pain decreases and the physical activity of patients increases.
To lose excess weight, you can take the following measures:
Here is the list of foods you should avoid if you’re suffering from osteoarthritis:
#1 Wheat products
Wheat products stimulate the inflammatory response of your body. Eating a lot of pasta and grain products may make your arthritis pain wore. Try to eat whole grain products. Avoid yeast additives and whole grains containing gluten.
#2 Fried food
Eating food high in saturated fats such as donuts and French fries can increase inflammation in the body and worsen your arthritis pain. The oils you use to cook food can raise your levels of cholesterol. Thus, when cooking, try to use avocado or olive oil.
#3 Omega-6 fatty acids
Foods containing omega-6 fatty acids like red meat and egg yolks should also be avoided as saturated fats can increase inflammation in the body, making the arthritis pain worse. Instead, choose the foods rich in omega-3s.
#4 Salt
Salty food causes your cells to keep water, which means that they swell up. Eating too much sodium can lead to inflammation. Instead of salt try to use such spices as garlic pepper, flavored peppers, or lemon zest.
#5 Sugar
According to some studies, eating processed cakes, cookies, and other bakery products may change the immune-response of your body to disease. Eating sugar-rich carbohydrates can result in worse inflammation. Try to use natural substitutes such as honey and maple syrup.
People who suffer from osteoarthritis tend to be overweight, which is an additional burden on the damaged joints. Therefore, the purpose of the diet in the treatment of this disease is a full, balanced diet, aimed at reducing body weight.
The basic rule in the development of a diet menu is its balance. Your body needs to receive all the necessary nutrients while you are on a diet.
Some products are especially useful for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis.
They include:
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