Weight Loss And Arthritis - Read What They Have In Common

While there are no definite causes identified for the onset of arthritis, it has been observed that weight gain has been one of the major reasons identified with arthritis.  Arthritis is a chronic condition of pain associated with the joints of the body.  The aching joints are often caused by swelling or degeneration on the tendons, ligaments and cartilages surrounding the joints that have been brought about by a number of reasons, and additional stress brought about by weight gain could be one reason.  While there is no hard and fast formula for arthritis cure, a doctor would also prescribe a healthy eating plan that would promote weight loss as part of a plan that could help a patient manage arthritis pain.

A healthy eating plan for patients suffering from arthritis would be high in fiber and low in salt, sugars and fatty foods.  There are specific foods that have been identified to have the ability to provide natural arthritis cures like ginger, turmeric, papaya, brown rice, green tea, cherries, and omega-3 rich fish like salmon – all of which have the ability to reduce or contain inflammation of the joints.  Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C like strawberries, kiwi, apples, mangoes can help stop or control the progression of certain forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis.  Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese and yoghurt improve bone density and would likewise be beneficial to those suffering from osteoarthritis.  Salmon is not the only source of omega-3 essential fatty acids that can control joint inflammation.  Nuts and seeds like walnuts and sunflower seeds are alternative sources of this key omega-3 nutrient. 

While there are listings of foods that can help manage a cure for arthritis, there is also a list of food to avoid.  These foods have been observed to trigger and increase arthritis pain.  Alcohol should be avoided when taking medication for arthritis pain management to avoid adverse reactions and side effects.  Foods high in sugar and salt could only promote weight gain and therefore are highly discouraged, likewise for foods that have high fat and cholesterol content like fatty red meats.

With the many forms of arthritis, eating a low fat, high fiber diet has been identified to be part of the many approaches to arthritis cures. There really is no one cure for arthritis.  But maintaining a lean body frame with an ideal weight would definitely contribute to an increased quality of life.