Fact: Eating certain foods will not rid your osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, or make it go into remission.
“No diet will cure your arthritis, but eating healthy always has its benefits,” says Dr. White. “Eating well can lead to weight loss which can help arthritis symptoms like joint relief.” The Arthritis Foundation recommends a diet low in saturated fats and calories and high in fruits, veggies and grains.
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Although your eating habits won’t cure your arthritis, they can still affect the symptoms of your disease, according to the Arthritis Foundation:
- Food sensitivities. Some arthritis patients may be overly sensitive to specific foods that could trigger symptoms or cause them to worsen.
- Saturated fats. Overconsumption of saturated fats and vegetable oils can increase inflammatory responses and contribute to joint and tissue inflammation.
- Overall health. Diet influences overall health and other diseases and conditions like diabetes and heart disease. This can affect how your body handles arthritis symptoms.
- Poor nutrition. Having arthritis can worsen your diet. Pain and fatigue can cause appetite loss or make it difficult to eat and chew.