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Proper diet and
nutrition are key elements in the prevention or alleviation of
symptoms of all types of disease, including arthritis. An important
first step in treating arthritis lies in achieving normal body
weight. Excess weight puts increased stress on weight-bearing joints
affected with arthritis.
Eat a diet that is
high in fiber and that is not tainted with chemicals, which stress
the body. Maximize your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish,
nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Make sure your
menu includes cold-water fish such as salmon and halibut.
Avoid saturated
fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, rich fattv
foods, fried foods, and refined sugar. These substances make the
internal environment more acidic. Acid in the joints promotes
inflammation, which worsens symptoms and increases pain.
Fatty meats,
eggs, margarine, shortening, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugars and
dairy products should be dramatically cut down or eliminated from
the diet.
About one-third
of those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are sensitive to
solanines, or nightshade plants, which include potatoes, peppers,
eggplant, tomatoes, and tobacco. These should be eliminated from the
diet.
Drink at least
six to eight glasses of pure water daily. This will help to flush
out toxins from your body.
Foods to eat
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Green vegetables, such as watercress, parsley, celery, kale, and okra |
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Seaweeds |
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Carrots |
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Spirulina |
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Barley and wheat grass products (anti-inflammatory and detoxifying) |
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Avocados |
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Pecans |
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Potassium broth |
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Soy products |
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Whole grains, such as brown rice, millet, oats, wheat, and barley |
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Cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, or herring |
Foods to Avoid
Studies have shown
that all arthritis symptoms are reduced, even for those with
rheumatoid arthritis, after a person adopts a vegetarian diet, free
of all animal foods, including-and especially-dairy products.
Calcium Inhibitors
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Reduce or
eliminate red meat, dairy, eggs, and chicken |
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Alcohol |
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Coffee |
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Refined
sugar and too many sweets |
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Excess salt |
Foods High In Oxalic Acid
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Rhubarb |
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Cranberries |
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Plums |
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Chard |
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Spinach |
The Nightshade Family of Foods
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Tomatoes |
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Eggplant |
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Potatoes |
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Peppers |
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Tobacco |
Foods that will Create Wind and Dampness
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Buckwheat |
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Dairy foods |
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All animal
fat |
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Nuts,
oil-rich seeds, and nut butters |
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