Video:Diet and Arthritis
with Dr. Robert FenellA person's diet can have a large effect on managing the symptoms of their arthritis. Here's a look at the connections between arthritis and diet.See Transcript
Transcript:Diet and Arthritis
Hello, I'm Dr. Robert Fenell, Founder of HandAndFootClinicsOfAmerica.com, and I'm here today on behalf of About.com to talk to you about diet as it relates to arthritis.
Food That Won't Help With Arthritis
Arthritis is another word that means joint inflammation. Inflammation occurs in the joints and tissues of the body when some stress is taxing the body's immune system, causing the inflammation to result. There are many different types of food that can affect your body's immunity and inflammatory response, and stimulate an increase of inflammation or reduce inflammation if you're currently suffering with it. Foods that will attack your body's circulatory system, causing an increase in inflammatory response and reduce your immunity will include: sugar, salt, hydrogenated fats, dairy foods and most meats. These inflammation stimulating foods include things such as: candy, potato chips, crackers, soda, cheese, fatty meats such as bacon, sausage or most red meat.
Types of Foods that Improve Immune System
Although eliminating these foods from your diet may appear to be a daunting task, there are several alternatives that can be rather delicious when prepared correctly, and also improve your body's immune system and reduce the inflammatory response in your body. Some of the anti-inflammatory type foods include fresh fruits such as berries and melons; green leafy and bright-colored vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, and collard greens. You can also enjoy veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, peppers, squash and zucchini; lean meats such as poultry and fish; snacks such as nuts, berries and different types of seeds. And limit your intake of grains by using only 100% whole grains, versus processed grains.
Other Factors Related to Diet
And another thing that you must do in your diet in order to fight and reduce inflammation, is to eat slowly, chew your food well, and eat smaller portions. Although diet alone may not cure your Arthritis symptoms, it will play a huge role in helping to reduce the symptoms associated with your inflammatory condition. Thanks so much for joining me today. If you would like to find out more, please visit us online at About.com.
