What your diet should include if you have Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease which causes inflammation in the joints and can be quite painful. Medication is a common treatment of this condition. However, diet is now becoming a popular treatment. Certain foods may cause arthritis flare ups, while other foods are known to help ease the symptoms. For example, many foods are helpful in reducing arthritis pain.

Vitamins

Vitamin A
A diet high in vitamin A is essential for an arthritis patient. This is because of the role vitamin A plays in your immune system. This vitamin is an antioxidant. Foods which possess vitamin A include carrots, broccoli, spinach and sweet potatoes. Milk and eggs contain vitamin A, too. Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3, also known as niacin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Foods such as chicken breasts, tuna, turkey and halibut all contain a high content of vitamin B-3. Lemons, apples, mangoes, sweet corn and crimini mushrooms all contain niacin. Vitamin C
According to Arthritis Today, individuals who consumed inadequate amounts of vitamin C are three times more likely to develop arthritis. Vitamin C is imperative in immune response as it builds and maintains connective tissue. It is a known antioxidant. By consuming foods such as oranges, apples, red peppers and grapefruit, you are consuming foods which help with rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D
Since you were a child, you probably heard that adequate vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones. This is why vitamin D is important for individuals with osteoarthritis. Vitamin D is also known to prevent osteoarthritis. Though there is no rheumatoid arthritis cure, the immune properties of this vitamin may protect against this autoimmune disease. The sun is a source of vitamin D and so is cheese, fish and many milk brands fortify their milk with this vitamin.

Minerals and others

Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral for arthritis patients. In fact, it is a vital part of a diet for osteoarthritis, due to its effect on bones and joints. Calcium is commonly associated with dairy products such as milk. Many fruits and vegetables such as garlic, spinach and kumquats all contain vitamin D. Omega-3 fatty acids
Fish and other foods which contain omega-3 fatty acids are already on the list of examples of arthritis foods for their other vitamins. However, omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce with rheumatoid arthritis pain and ease other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as morning stiffness.