Insight into arthritis and a suggested diet plan

Arthritis is a disease condition which affects joints by causing inflammation, swelling and pain in the joints. Mostly, it affects the large joints (e.g., knee, elbow, wrist, ankle etc.) of the body, though it may also affect other joints.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis and arthritis-related conditions. It can occur at any age, sex, race or ethnicity around the world. However, studies suggest that it is found more in women than men.

There are two major types - Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are seen generally. In addition, gout, lupus arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, secondary arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc., are other types found in the population.

There are some typical signs and symptoms of arthritis. Swelling of the joint, redness on and around the joint, warmness and pain of the joints, and movement restriction of the joint typically occur. Furthermore, fever, fatigue, difficulty walking, muscle wasting, itching, and hair loss can also occur.

The Mediterranean diet is the highly recommended diet for an arthritic patient. It includes lentils, fatty fish, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. fatty fish (e.g., Hilsa, salmon, tuna, sardine, eels, coral fish) contains a huge amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce joint inflammation.

Those who do not like fish can eat soybeans or tofu. Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, and olive oil contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Low-fat milk, yoghurt, and paneer are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which benefit bones and joints. Arthritic patients can benefit from lentils, ginger, garlic, broccoli, potatoes, eggplants, cabbage, capsicum, spinach, and beans.

Citrus fruits (lemon, orange, pomelo), berries, grapes, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, etc., contain anti-oxidants that relieve symptoms. Whole wheat, oats, and brown rice help reduce arthritic patients' c-reactive protein (CRP). Green tea, coffee, carrot juice, and tomato are beneficial. Drinking a lot of water is highly recommended.

Red meats (beef, mutton), processed meats, sugar, soft drinks, deep-fried items, processed and canned foods, margarine, and testing salt aggravate joint pain and inflammation.

Soybean oil, sunflower oil, and corn contain omega-6 fatty acids that arthritic patients should avoid. Gluten is found in flour, barley, and rye-made white rice that aggravates arthritis. Chronic arthritis is caused by smoking and alcohol.

Arthritis is a chronic disease that can deform a joint and cause inability to move or walk. Consult a rheumatologist immediately after seeing signs and symptoms.

The writer is a Research and Policy Assistant at Center for Research, Innovation & Development Action (CRIDA).
Email: fantasyfist@gmail.com