Arthritis, one of the oldest diseases known to mankind, is the inflammation of one or more joints. It occurs in all races at all times. Decline in joint function generally begins at age 30. No one really knows the exact cause of this painful and disabling disease.
There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional healing, and each factor may not apply to each individual.
Let’s begin by listing some food items that you should avoid. While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, they all have one thing in common. One or more of the food items listed will be an “allergy food” for the arthritis sufferer.
The most common culprits are:
- red meat
- soft drinks
- sugar caffeine
- salt
- dairy products
- corn
- additives
- flour
- citrus
For example, certain people are allergic to specific foods, and these allergies can indeed worsen arthritic conditions. The best way to approach the situation is to examine each arthritic condition and tailor one's approach based upon the specifics.
Ingesting foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can inflame rheumatoid arthritis, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to an arthritic condition connected to lupus.
Some have said that nightshades are a problem. They are not. This is an old myth that has been going on for years. This is the list.
- eggplants
- red peppers
- tomatoes
- white potatoes
- tobacco
If you do eat any of these foods, pay attention to any reaction you might have in the next 24 hours. If you notice a reaction, you are indeed allergic to that food item.
Black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people a rare type of arthritis called Behcet's Disease.
With osteoarthritis, deterioration of cartilage is a concern. Since there is some evidence that Vitamin A, contributes to cartilage deterioration, those with osteoarthritis should avoid large doses of it.
Although clinical proof is not available, anecdotal evidence suggests that in the case of fibromyalgia, eliminating wheat, dairy, citrus, sugar, aspartame (Nutrasweet), alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can provide relief.
Many nutritionists and naturopaths suggest that those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis avoid dairy products all together, as they seem to exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups.
