Arthritis Symptoms May be Alleviated by Fruits and Vegetables
By: Joe Serpico
If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, you know how
painful and debilitating it can be. If you haven't walked a mile in those shoes,
you can't imagine how frustrating it can be. Your doctor may say try this
medication, try that. Don't do this, do that. But sometimes, to no avail. The
disease is caused by a misguided immune system attack on the body's own joint
tissue, which leads to swelling, pain, stiffness and in some cases deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more common among women than men.
Perhaps what you're eating, or more specifically what you're not eating can be
causing some of your soreness. Recent findings suggest that a diet high in
fruits, vegetables, legumes and certain oils aids in relieving symptoms in
people with rheumatoid arthritis. After following a diet rich in fruits and
veggies for three months, people with rheumatoid arthritis experienced a number
of improvements not seen in people following a typical American diet high in
processed foods. Some of the improvements shown include a decrease in pain,
inflammation, disease activity and in the number of swollen joints. Further,
previous research suggested that more olive oil and cooked vegetables help
protect people from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
The current results suggest that "patients with (rheumatoid arthritis) can
obtain better physical function and increase their vitality" from eating a
fruit, vegetables, legumes and some oils diet for three months, write Dr. Lars
Skoldstam of Visby Hospital in Sweden and colleagues.
This plan is similar to that of people who live in the Mediterranean. They also
tend to eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, and legumes, more fish and less red
meat. Moreover, they drink a moderate amount of wine, and rely on olive oil as
their main source of dietary fat. Earlier research has suggested that followers
of this diet enjoy a wide range of benefits, such as a lower risk of heart
disease, cancer and memory loss.
Additional studies have shown that citrus fruit and zinc may also cut rheumatoid
arthritis risk. Citrus can be helpful because of the antioxidants they contain.
Findings are not conclusive, yet promising.
In the study, the doctors found that women getting less than 40 micrograms of
beta-cryptoxanthin, a component found in citrus fruits such as oranges and
grapefruit were at a somewhat elevated danger of developing rheumatoid arthritis
than women who consumed more than that amount.
Although thus far it has only been proven that genetics is the culprit behind
rheumatoid arthritis, if there have been some findings as to the benefits of
eating fruits and vegetables, wouldn't it make sense for suffers to up their
intake? It certainly can't hurt... and may actually help. Now please pass the
broccoli with a side of grapefruit!
About the Author
Joe Serpico is webmaster at aa-fitness-guide.com. For much more information
regarding exercise, health, nutrition, and fitness, visit http://www.aa-fitness-guide.com
