No definitive cure for arthritis exists. However, this crippling condition can be managed by making a few modifications to your lifestyle, including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and performing regular moderate exercise. What you eat can make a big difference to the structure of your bones. The Mediterranean Diet has many elements that make it one of the most preferred food regimens for easing the symptoms of arthritis and other bone conditions.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term used to describe a condition of swelling and tenderness of the joints. Typical symptoms include pain, stiffness, inflammation, redness, and reduced range of motion. The definition of arthritis actually covers more than a hundred different bone conditions but the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis occurs due to ordinary wear of the cartilage surrounding your joints. It can also occur as a result of an injury or an infection. Sometimes the entire joint will be affected. The bone structure may change and connective tissues may deteriorate. Joint lining inflammation may occur. Rheumatoid arthritis results when your body’s auto-immune system attacks the joint lining surrounding the joint capsule. The membrane then becomes inflamed. Over time this condition can significantly destroy the cartilage and bone comprising your joint.

It is estimated that by the year 2045, more than 78 million in this country will be suffering from some condition affecting the joints. Of these, two thirds will be women. By 2040, at least 11 out of every 100 adults will have reported some form of arthritis-associated movement restrictions. The prevalence of related risk factors such as obesity and diabetes increase the chances of contracting arthritis significantly.

Managing Arthritis by Changing Lifestyle and Dietary Habits

Those suffering from arthritis need to make basic modifications to their lifestyle in order to reduce arthritis-associated pain.  One of the most important precautions is to make sure that your joints stay protected. This means that you should avoid exercises that place excessive strain on the joints. Water exercise is the perfect medium for getting in your physical activity. Exercise and activity are important as a simple and effective drug-free way to boost bone health and relieve arthritis pain. Be open to learning new behavior. Reduce factors that cause you stress, quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Mediterranean Diet Staples for Arthritis

You should also avoid foods that cause inflammation. These include most fried and processed foods, sugars and refined carbs, full-fat dairy products, salt, preservatives and many baked items which contain unhealthy refined oil. The Mediterranean Diet is primarily a plant-based eating plan that includes whole grains, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. The diet also promotes eating omega-3 rich seafood, proven to help fight off inflammation. Sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, lemons, broccoli and beans are known to contain large quantities of antioxidants. These foods contain Mother Nature’s medicinal ingredients shown to help counter the painful effects of arthritis.

Many people with debilitating arthritis may find it difficult to go see their physicians or a clinical dietitian in person and may find online help easier to access. The Mediterranean Nutritionist is full of authentic Mediterranean recipes tailor-made for those suffering from arthritis. After all, the Mediterranean Diet has been heralded as the number one healthiest diet for 2019 by US News and World Report.

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