World Arthritis Day 2024: Tips to eat right for joint health

This article highlights the dietary measures required for arthritis patients to manage inflammation and pain. So what are you waiting for? Include these foods in your daily diet to improve the quality of your life. Inflammation of the joints causes pain, swelling, stiffness and limited range of motion. It can affect individuals of all ages. There are different types of arthritis, so medication varies for each patient. Don’t be surprised if your doctor tells you that you may have arthritis and recommends further testing without delay. Remember to consult the right doctor, and if you have any rheumatology related problems, be sure to visit a rheumatologist.
Follow the treatment guidelines suggested by your rheumatologist to achieve successful patient outcomes. From simple oral medications called DMARDs to specialized treatments like biologic injections, all options are available in India. Do not hesitate to seek advice and start medication to manage symptoms such as swelling, pain and inflammation. In addition to medication, arthritis patients should get regular exercise for at least 30 minutes, choosing low-impact activities and avoiding strenuous workouts. Apart from this, it is important for arthritis patients to pay attention to their diet also.
Also read:

Photo Credit: iStock

Here are some diet tips for arthritis patients:

They are advised to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help manage inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, and heart attacks. Choose foods like blueberries, cherries, spinach, kale, broccoli, nuts, seeds and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna. Avoid colas, sodas, chips, salty, fatty, processed and fried foods, red meat and adding extra ghee to every meal. Eat home-cooked food that is low in fat and carbohydrates and has moderate amounts of protein. Make sure you eat well and maintain an optimal weight, as obesity can put pressure on weight-bearing joints. Weight loss helps reduce the risk of osteoarthritis in the knees and hips, which is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Reduce sugar intake, as excessive amounts of jaggery and honey are also not good for your health. Additionally, if you have diabetes, be extra careful and avoid sugar-rich foods. Use cooking oil that is free from trans fats and recommended by experts. If you have arthritis, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine whether you need to follow a low-purine diet. Remember to consult a dietitian and follow a personalized diet plan – don’t skip meals or overeat. Follow these essential tips to manage arthritis without complications. People suffering from arthritis should adopt a healthy lifestyle to deal with this debilitating condition. Arthritis patients must take great care to manage pain and swelling and perform daily tasks without any difficulty.
Also read: 7 Magnesium Rich Foods for Strong Bones and Better Health

About the author: Dr. Shailja Sabnis is a Rheumatologist at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.