Arthritis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing joint stiffness, pain, and difficulty with everyday activities. Although there is no diet that can cure arthritis, certain foods have been found to help strengthen bones, maintain the immune system, and reduce inflammation. Eating a balanced diet that includes these foods can help ease the symptoms of arthritis. Sugar has been linked to increased inflammation in the body, and just 40 grams - the amount in a can of soda - can activate this response.
Reducing or eliminating sugary drinks, candy, and pastries may help reduce some of the pain associated with arthritis. Dairy products are a great source of calcium and protein, but they also contain casein which can contribute to inflammation. Limiting dairy intake may help reduce joint inflammation. Alcohol can worsen arthritis symptoms, so anyone with inflammatory arthritis should restrict or avoid it.
The Arthritis Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for arthritis and providing information, advocacy, science, and community support to those affected by it. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis are two inflammatory conditions that are considered autoimmune diseases. The Arthritis Foundation's JA camp programs give children with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases an opportunity to make lasting memories. Versus Arthritis is currently funding research at Queen Mary University in London to learn more about why long-chain omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and whether they could be used as treatments for inflammatory types of arthritis.
People with inflammatory arthritis have been found to have higher levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in their bodies than those without arthritis. Gluten has been a concern for many people with arthritis, but there is no evidence that eating gluten worsens symptoms. Citrus fruits may worsen symptoms for some people, especially those with inflammatory types of arthritis such as RA.
