Unfortunately, 10 million people of all ages in the UK are living with arthritis.
There are approximately 200 kinds of arthritis, the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis cause chronic inflammation in the body, characterised by swollen and painful joints.
Re-establishing the normal functionality of the gut and identifying food intolerances, while embracing a plant-based diet rich in fibre and low in animal products, processed and refined food are helpful tools to fight the inflammation and release pain.
We recommend that those living with arthritis embrace a Mediterranean diet which is frequently touted for its disease-fighting powers.
Our Ten Top Tips:
Eat Fish – especially, salmon, sardines and cod…this is particularly good for rheumatoid arthritis. Also enjoy tuna, scallops, herring, anchovies and other cold-water fish.
Eat colourful fruit and vegetables (try buying seasonal and organic). The darker they are the more antioxidants they have e.g. blueberries, blackberries, cherries, cavolo nero, spinach, kale and broccoli.
Eat nuts and seeds – especially almonds, pine nuts, walnuts and pistachios.
Eat beans and pulses – especially red kidney beans and pinto beans.
Eat wholegrain foods – using brown flour, oatmeal, bulgur, brown rice and quinoa.
Take olive oil - two to three tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil a day. Visit our Food Boutique for our range of inflammation fighting olive oils.
Cut down on fatty meats, processed foods and saturated fats.
Add Vitamin D supplements – Vit D may be needed for the prevention of arthritis as well as for pain relief in patients with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Low vitamin D intake has been linked to the severity of the disease in some.
Enjoy regular exercise - just 10-15 minutes a day could be a great way to reduce joint pain. Stretching exercises in particular, like yoga, have been seen to help posture. However, too much exercise may have a reverse effect and cause osteoarthritis. Avoid anything straining the joints knees, elbows, hips, etc.
Keep to a healthy weight  to reduce pressure on your joints.
If you would like personalised and nutritional advice then please get in touch to speak to our expert Dr Torchia. We can also test for many markers relating to arthritis.
