Arthritis is believed to be caused by chronic inflammation that causes the body's immune system to attack when it shouldn't.
The results of recent research suggest that it may be possible to combat this inflammation with a diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acids actually promote inflammation, so it is helpful to cut them out of your diet.
Here are seven arthritis-fighting tips you should be aware of.
1) Eat cold water fish such as non-farm raised salmon, cod, herring, sardines and trout at least twice per week.
Other foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, flax seeds and supplements that contain omega-3.
Talk to your doctor before taking supplements containing omega-3 if you are taking medication that thins the blood.
2) Replace oils such as sunflower oil, corn oil and safflower oil, that are high in omega-6 fatty acids, with olive oil or canola oil.
3) Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Many of them contain antioxidants, which fight inflammation.
Pineapples, blueberries and cherries are great sources of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
4) Avoid white sugar, white flour and salt.
These ingredients, which promote inflammation, are found in white bread, candies, cookies, sugary cereals and pasta.
5) Eat less read meat.
Red meat contains high levels of inflammatory fatty acids.
6) Avoid foods that raise your low density (LDL) cholesterol.
This type of cholesterol is inflammatory.
Foods that contain trans fats, such as fried foods and baked goods (cakes, cookies, etc.
), increase your LDL cholesterol.
7) Increase your use of spices.
Research has shown that ginger, garlic, curcumin and other spices can help reduce arthritis inflammation.
Keep in mind that dietary changes should not be considered a complete treatment program for arthritis.
Your doctor can help you decide what other treatment options you should consider and help you understand how your dietary choices can impact your condition.
If your arthritis symptoms appear to worsen after consuming certain foods, you may want to consider allergy testing.
Call us at (301) 694-5800 for allergy testing information.
The results of recent research suggest that it may be possible to combat this inflammation with a diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-6 fatty acids actually promote inflammation, so it is helpful to cut them out of your diet.
Here are seven arthritis-fighting tips you should be aware of.
1) Eat cold water fish such as non-farm raised salmon, cod, herring, sardines and trout at least twice per week.
Other foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, flax seeds and supplements that contain omega-3.
Talk to your doctor before taking supplements containing omega-3 if you are taking medication that thins the blood.
2) Replace oils such as sunflower oil, corn oil and safflower oil, that are high in omega-6 fatty acids, with olive oil or canola oil.
3) Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Many of them contain antioxidants, which fight inflammation.
Pineapples, blueberries and cherries are great sources of anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
4) Avoid white sugar, white flour and salt.
These ingredients, which promote inflammation, are found in white bread, candies, cookies, sugary cereals and pasta.
5) Eat less read meat.
Red meat contains high levels of inflammatory fatty acids.
6) Avoid foods that raise your low density (LDL) cholesterol.
This type of cholesterol is inflammatory.
Foods that contain trans fats, such as fried foods and baked goods (cakes, cookies, etc.
), increase your LDL cholesterol.
7) Increase your use of spices.
Research has shown that ginger, garlic, curcumin and other spices can help reduce arthritis inflammation.
Keep in mind that dietary changes should not be considered a complete treatment program for arthritis.
Your doctor can help you decide what other treatment options you should consider and help you understand how your dietary choices can impact your condition.
If your arthritis symptoms appear to worsen after consuming certain foods, you may want to consider allergy testing.
Call us at (301) 694-5800 for allergy testing information.