Eat Well for Arthritis Health

If you suffer from arthritis, you have probably already heard numerous warnings about the importance eating a healthy diet. It's true: eating a well balanced diet cannot only boost your overall health significantly; it can also help relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

One of the most basic things you can do is to take a calcium supplement. Increasing your calcium intake can help keep your bones strong and can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which is commonly described as brittle bone disease. Taking calcium can help restore minerals to your bones. Besides taking calcium supplements, consider eating a calcium rich diet. Foods rich in calcium include dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. There are several fruits and vegetables that are also rich in calcium. These include figs, broccoli, and kale. Salmon is another food known for its high calcium content.

Another easy way to improve your health and prevent some forms of arthritis is to make the choice to add color to your diet. What does this mean exactly? It means that simply picking fruits and vegetables in a wide assortment of color and texture is an easy way to make sure you are getting all the nutrients that you need. Pick green leafy vegetables rich in calcium, and go for bright fruits to boost your Vitamin C quotient. Good vegetables to choose include dark green and leafy lettuces such as Bibb and romaine, kale, spinach, and parsley. All of these have been shown to help reduce that amount of bone loss that naturally occurs as we age.

For fruits, figs have a high amount of calcium, and go for oranges as well. Whether halved or juiced, oranges contain several antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. Oranges are also high in Vitamin C, which is also beneficial to those looking to prevent some forms of arthritis. An easy way to make sure you are getting enough vegetables and fruits in your diet is to keep bags of pre-cut veggies in your refrigerator. Buy a juicer or make your own hand-squeezed juice for a tasty and healthy morning treat.

If you are fish lover and suffer from arthritis, there is good news for you. The high omega-3 fatty acid content in most cold-water fish has been shown to be very beneficial in people with pain, inflammation, and overall stiff joints. Consider throwing some fish on the grill during your next cookout, or baking some salmon for dinner. Most people do not eat fish on a regular basis, so some doctors recommend supplementing your diet with fish oil supplements in order to get a regular does of omega-3 fatty acids. Always speak to your doctor before adding regular supplements to your diet, especially if you are taking prescription medications.

Many nutritionists recommend keeping a food journal to track your eating habits and progress. Studies have shown that individuals who put their nutritional goals in writing have a better chance of sticking to a healthy long-term diet. Keeping a food journal is also a good way to see what you like, what you don't, and what works for you.