Eat The Right Foods, Ease Arthritis Pain

Eating certain foods may help patients with arthritis ease pain, according to several studies that investigate diet and various types of arthritis. Although evidence is limited, dietary interventions have been shown to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Mediterranean diets including fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and olive oil had the greatest effect on arthritis patients in one of the largest analyses of diet and arthritis, the New York Times reported. In a time period of 12 weeks, people on the diet told researchers that they experienced about 15 percent less pain. Physical function and morning stiffness were not affected. Data was culled from 15 studies and more than 800 patients.

Vegetarian studies that include dairy products have also been shown to help, Some patients reported that daily fish oil capsules were helpful, perhaps because of their anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, certain vegetables like tomatoes and potatoes have been rumored to contribute to arthritis pain. No solid research has demonstrated that this is factual.

Experts say that gradually removing these foods may help patients identify problematic foods.

AUTHOR: Annette Hulbert