Friday, February 10, 2012

Use Foods To Help Arthritis

Arthritis affects nearly everyone, at least in their later years, bringing with it pain, swelling, loss of motion and joint deformity. Although many arthritis medications are available, doctors now acknowledge the enormous effect foods can have on the way arthritis sufferers feel. Indulge in these foods, and you will feel a great deal better.


Instructions








1. Drink your water. Eight glasses of water a day are good for everyone, especially those with the type of arthritis called gouty arthritis or gout. Water flushes the body of uric acid, easing gout symptoms.








2. Try anchovies and other types of fish. Anchovies are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids, which battle inflammation. If the taste turns you off, eat anchovies in paste form, which is used in Caesar salad. They are high in sodium, however, so add other fish to your meals if you're on a salt-restricted diet.


3. Eat your fruits. Cantaloupe is high in vitamin C and beta carotene. These help control free radical and oxidative damage, which is believed to worsen arthritis. Mangos also have these two nutrients, as well as vitamin E.


4. Eat apples and grapes, which contain boron. Boron, which helps to make bones strong, reduces arthritis pain and may be a key factor in avoiding arthritis. For three times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C and beta carotene, eat papayas.


5. Eat hazelnuts, almonds and peanuts, which are also good sources of boron. (See the Everyday Health resource below.)

Tags: beta carotene, vitamin beta, vitamin beta carotene