WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?


Osteoarthritis is usually age related
and commonly affects people over
50 years, whilst the joint inflammation
and pain caused by Rheumatoid
Arthritis often occurs earlier in life.


OSTEOARTHRITIS

Symptoms
Onset and often gradual pain and stiffness of the joints especially in the mornings after long periods of rest. In people suffering from osteoarthritis, joints gradually lose their cartilage - this being the smooth, gel like shock-absorbing material which prevents adjacent bones from touching. In most cases it affects the load bearing joints: hips, knees, spine and hands. Many people who suffer from Osteoarthritis eat too much acid forming foods. Proteins such as meat and dairy produce as well as refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pizzas are acid forming. Joint injuries can also trigger arthritis.Persons are often told they should avoid tomatoes, potatoes and peppers. Being overweight can also cause problems later in life.

Foods to Avoid
Coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, pies, pastries, bread and pasta that are made from white flour. Avoid triggers such as tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, plums, rhubarb and their juices. Full fat foods ie: cows milk, red meats, fried foods, sausages, meat pies and chocolate.

Friendly Foods
Pineapple contains bromelain which is a highly anti-inflammatory, cherries are rich in bioflavonoid and reduce uric acids in the body. Oily fish. Grains such as brown rice, millet, spelt, barley, quinoa, rye crisp breads, sugar free cereals. Eat plenty of rich green vegetables. Organic unrefined oils as sunflower, walnut & sesame. Eat at least 1 spoonful of linseeds, sunflower, pumpkin or sesame seeds daily. Herbal teas such as dandelion and nettle.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Symptoms
Joint stiffness, fatigue, weight loss, low fever followed by several weeks of red and painful swollen joints ie: wrists, knees, fingers, ankles and feet. Note if a fever persists you should see a doctor. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder in which the cartilage and other tissues around the bones become inflamed and damaged. The immune system attacks the body’s own joints and tissues being the so called autoimmune reaction. This can occur at earlier ages and may be of a genetic predisposition. Heavy exercise may cause the disease to progress faster but light exercise such as swimming and walking are more helpful. Again avoid the foods which are noted in Osteoarthritis, also foods which may be allergic.

Foods to Avoid
Animal fats. Also see the Osteoarthritis section.

Friendly Foods
See the osteoarthritis section but add root ginger, turmeric and the herb boswellia as all have anti-inflammatory properties. Soya milk is a good substitute from cows milk. Cherries, garlic and rice are all recommended.


If you are unsure which form of arthritis you may be suffering from it is advisable to contact a qualified practitioner or your own GP.