A diet high in raw fruit and vegetables may hold the key for relief for people with osteoarthritis. The condition is the most common form of arthritis and tends to affect older people, although it can develop at any age. Caused by the thinning and wearing of the cartilage around the joints, osteoarthritis brings pain and swelling to the joints, usually the knees, hands and wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips and spine.
There is no cure for osteoarthritis – in fact, there is no cure available for any form of the condition. However, many sufferers find natural therapies and remedies can reduce and relieve their symptoms, help with pain relief and improve their wellbeing.
Diet is said to play an essential role in reducing inflammation. Certain products are known to have an adverse effect on the digestive system while others can boost immunity and reduce inflammation. For example, bananas are a great source of fibre while the potassium they contain will aid digestion so make fruit smoothies with bananas, blueberries and mangoes for a daily nutrition boost.
The protein in dairy products is also said to exacerbate arthritis symptoms, as does gluten and saturated fats. Evidence suggests processed and convenience foods should be avoided as much as possible, while cutting down on red meat, salt, caffeine, carbonated drinks and sugar can alleviate your symptoms and also aid your overall health.
Do include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet for the increased antioxidants and fibre. Good choices of vegetables include broccoli, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes and asparagus. Try more pulses, grains and beans, which are a great source of the omega 3 fatty acids known to reduce inflammation, and add brown rice to your meals.
When fresh fruit is hard to come by out of season, substitute them with dried fruits, particularly cherries, cranberries, pears and prunes. Avoid citrus fruits because of their effect on digestion.
Going raw can be seen to have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of arthritis and is also beneficial for overall health.
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