Arthritis Diet - Does It Work?
 For people who suffer from arthritis - a disorder that causes painful inflammation of the joints in the body - there are a variety of treatments to consider. More conventional approaches such as anti-inflammatory medications and exercises may bring relief to some, but others may have to seek out alternative options like getting acupuncture or eating a special arthritis diet to diminish their pain.
An arthritis diet, some claim, can help reduce symptoms and increase mobility. Here are a few diets and diet alterations to consider with your doctor's guidance:
- Alkaline arthritis diet - this diet is based on the concept that people who suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis have too much acid in their bodies. In order to reduce the body's acidity, this diet prohibits the consumption of sugar, most grains, nuts, red meat, coffee, and other foods that produce a lot of acid during digestion. The alkaline diet also eliminates most sources of vitamin C.
- Elimination of nightshades - nightshades are a subset of plants that includes potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, and most peppers. Removing these foods from your diet is thought to relieve arthritis symptoms.
- Vegetarian diet - although evidence is mixed, some people have reported they feel an improvement after starting this type of arthritis diet. One study of rheumatoid sufferers found a decrease in symptoms after four weeks, and some follow-up studies showed that those who stayed on the diet continued to improve after one to two years.
- Green tea - drinking three to four cups of green tea a day can help people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, according to some research. One study, funded by the Arthritis Foundation, found that mice who consumed the polyphenolic compounds found in green tea experienced a decrease in the severity of their arthritis.
Before you try a special arthritis diet, consult your doctor. This ensures that you'll get a proper diagnosis for your symptoms and that the best course of treatment is prescribed.
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