Treatment modalities for all methods of arthritis will include rest, exercise, medication, weight loss, joint protection and cold or heat. The goal is to decrease pain and inflammation, slow the progression of the disease, decrease the disability in the joints and improve your overall health.

Some individuals also find that while altering their diets to effect a change in their overall health they also improve the cartilage production and their pain and discomfort. By altering their diet to improve weight maintenance they also decrease the amount of stress placed on the large weight-bearing joints. Research has also proven that given the opportunity, correct nutrition, water and light, the body is able to do an amazing number of things to heal itself.

Recent studies have supported that individuals who enjoy a high cholesterol, high fat diet will contribute to the inflammatory process in their bodies and hinder therapies and treatments for arthritic conditions. However, arthritis is not the only medical condition that is at the root of an inflammatory condition in the body. Researchers also know that several forms of cancer, diabetes, and it’s vascular disease are also a result of increased inflammation in the body.

Dietary changes do not have to be strict but are rather guidelines for a healthy lifestyle that limits pain, disability and improves cartilage production. Below is a list of foods that individuals should try to include in their diet as well as foods they should try to avoid. Use these as a strategy in your meal planning and not a strict “diet”. Individuals can also try to keep a dietary diary which records the foods they eat and a ranking of pain of inflammation on each day. Using this method they may find a certain group of foods which causes them greater inflammation and pain.

Individuals should also recognize that dietary changes can take up to several weeks or a month to make a difference in the level of pain or swelling. Initially you should try to avoid all foods that aggravate arthritis and include foods that are good for the condition. As pain decreases over several weeks you can try to add back one or two of the favorite foods and treats to yourself while keeping an eye on your dietary diary.

Individuals usually find that the occasional milkshake or chocolate bar will be tolerated, but may also find that the increased pain and decrease in ability isn’t worth the extra chocolate or cheese.

Foods you should include are fruits that are high in vitamin C such as most of the berries, cantaloupes and apples. Vegetables that are high in both Vitamin A and C such as carrots, squash, spinach, broccoli and cabbage will help the body to fight the effects of arthritis.

Fish that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel, have been shown to decrease inflammation throughout the body. Milled flax seed also has the same omega 3 fatty acids. In the oil form it is not very palatable but as milled seed it can be sprinkled over sweet potatoes or salad and doesn’t affect the taste.

Include nuts, seeds and whole grains in the diet as well. Use unsalted raw nuts and seeds to decrease the amount of chemical additions to the foods. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, chick peas (great in salads) and brown rice are high in nutrients that the body uses to repair itself.

Foods to avoid include red meat, milk products, caffeine products, sugar, salt, vinegar, butter, chocolate, white potatoes and tobacco. All of these foods have chemicals (natural and added) that affect the progression of inflammation and arthritic diseases.

It is also important to maintain an appropriate weight for height. Eating a variety of the listed foods that are beneficial and avoiding foods high in cholesterol and fats, sugar and sodium will change the way the body produces and breaks down cartilage.

Gradually, your overall health will improve and these changes will have a positive impact on lessening the effects of the disease. Once these positive effects are felt, the ability to maintain this lifestyle will become easier and easier.