Is There Such a Thing as an Arthritis Diet?

Scientists have found that illnesses like Arthritis, Coronary Disease and many forms of Cancers, occur more frequently in advanced societies than in less sophisticated ones.

Blame for this is being increasingly being laid at the feet of the modern western lifestyle, the main culprits here being stress, lack of exercise, smoking and unhealthy diets. We already know that moderate exercise is good for healthy joints and muscles.

The good news is that wholesome eating may be effective in preventing Arthritis, and managing its effects too. Some people are already talking about an Arthritis Diet.

The Preventative Importance of a Balanced Diet

There is a well-proved relationship between a healthy body and a happy mind, and a healthy mind and a happy body too. The debate is currently focused on the so-called Mediterranean Diet, which is still enjoyed by many Italian and Greek people, who are also arguably healthier, happier and less stressed than their British and American counterparts.

Their diet is rooted firmly in organic breads and pastas, and has a firm bias in favour of vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes and nuts too. Everything is cooked in olive oil, and the main sources of protein are fish, eggs and poultry, with cheese and red meat taken only occasionally.

Would you be surprised then, that research has shown that Australian migrants born and raised in Italy and Greece, have a lower rate of primary joint replacement when compared to their Australian-born compatriots, who could hardly claim to be following an Arthritis Diet either.

The same is also true of Eskimo’s who almost entirely live on fish, and seldom if ever develop inflammation of their muscles and joints. The implications for the British diet and the nation’s high medical costs seem obvious.

Food Intake that Controls Existing Arthritis

Recent research has also focussed on the possibility of dietary control over the symptoms of Arthritis. This has involved administering diets containing varying amounts of fish, evening primrose and olive oils.

There were significant improvements to painful joints and grip strengths, and, interestingly enough, reductions in concentrations of the c-reactive protein, which is the accepted laboratory measurement for inflammation.

The chemistry behind these findings regarding a possible Arthritis Diet is very revealing.

Traditional British, American and Australian cooking oils are produced from corn, soy and sunflower seeds in association with various chemicals, and are high in n-6 fatty acids that are known to be involved in the inflammation of rheumatoid joints.

By comparison, the oleic acid contained in naturally-pressed olive oil has far less inflammatory potential. Oils produced from fish, green vegetables, flax seed, rape-seed and walnuts are similarly beneficial. This helps explain the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet too.

A Practical Arthritis Diet

While it may not always be possible to follow a healthy diet, especially in the case of older people who are no longer in full control of what they eat, there are nevertheless many simple ways to implement an Arthritis-friendly diet, and here are a few ideas to get you and your gastric juices started:

• Keep a bowl of your favourite seasonal fresh fruit handy at all times.


• Lay in a supply of unprocessed, unsalted nuts for when you feel like snacking


• Substitute smoked salmon, mackerel and sardine pâtés for cheese on biscuits, in conjunction with olive oil spreads


• Enjoy a fruit smoothie or yoghurt drink rather than a sweetened milkshake.

Connect Into a Well-Balanced Life-Style

Let it be remembered that the Italian and Greek people living along the Mediterranean Coast who suffer less from Arthritis, enjoy far more than just an Arthritis Diet too.

They also spoil themselves with sun, fun, laugher and healthy exercise, and are not averse to spending the afternoon chatting over a lingering glass of good red wine.

Oh, and don’t forget the siesta power-nap afterwards. When all is said and done, it is far easier to overlook the discomfort of Arthritis, when you are enjoying the lifestyle that Mother Nature intended specially for you.