What you eat and drink takes on increased importance when you have been diagnosed with a condition such as arthritis. The disease affects the joints, causing inflammation and swelling. Some foods will act as a trigger for those painful symptoms, so it’s essential to examine your diet to eliminate those substances that might be bad for you while increasing your intake of foodstuffs known to have health benefits.
Consult a dietician or talking to your GP for the best information on how to enjoy a healthy, balanced diet. You can also make a start by identifying the food that irritates your system through a process of elimination. It may take some trial and error as you figure out what works for you but as a starting point, however, it is known that gluten and dairy can upset the digestive system.
The essential elements of a good diet are the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Carbohydrates provide the calories that give you energy and also contain fibre, nutrients and vitamins. Go for wholegrain carbs in bread, rice and pasta, and choose high fibre carbs with a low GI that keep you fuller for longer. If you have a condition such as arthritis, you need to keep your energy levels up so make sure you get enough carbs in your daily diet.
Protein is an important element of any balanced diet and includes red meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, seeds, beans, nuts, lentils and tofu. Make sure you choose lean meat and include plenty of fish, particularly the oily varieties such as mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring.
Fat is an essential part of your daily diet but keep your levels to around 25g per day. The “good” fats include unsaturated fats from the likes of olive oil, oily fish, nuts and avocados because they lower cholesterol, protect your heart and can reduce inflammation. “Bad” fats are the saturated fats contained in red meat, butter, some vegetable oils, cakes and pastries. They contribute to high cholesterol and are linked to heart disease and diabetes. Keep your levels of “good” fats high and your levels of “bad” fats low.
Ensure you maintain your vitamin levels through fresh fruit and vegetables. If certain fruit and vegetables irritate your gut, choose vitamin supplements instead. Drink plenty of water and cut back on the amount of salt you consume.
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