Arthritis: Doctor gives advice on best foods to help ease pain
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The inflammatory condition can restrict the movements of joints, and can lead to weakness and muscle wasting – and while there’s no cure, medication can help. However, if you are taking medication to treat your arthritis – no matter what kind it is – you need to be careful of one type of fruit juice. According to Medical News Today, grapefruit juice can interact with some of the medications prescribed to treat symptoms of arthritis.
To find out if your medication will interact with grapefruit juice, do read the leaflet that comes along with your medication packet.
If you’ve happened to throw that away, don’t despair, you can contact your doctor to find out whether grapefruit juice negatively interacts with your medication.
When it comes to other types of fruits, some can be particularly helpful when it comes to managing arthritis.
For example, the Arthritis Foundation recommends snacking on strawberries.
Low in sugar, and high in vitamin C, research has shown that 16 or more strawberries a week can lower the presence C-reactive protein.
C-reactive protein is “a measure of body-wide inflammation linked to arthritis flares”.
Scientists suspect its the anthocyanin – a type of phytochemical – contained within strawberries that provides anti-inflammatory properties.
Red raspberries also contain high levels of vitamin C and anthocyanin.
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Research has shown that the fruit’s bioactive compounds lowers “system-wide inflammation”.
Tart cherries also contain powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits.
Other beneficial fruits include: grapes, watermelon, and avocado.
Inflammatory arthritis
The most common forms of inflammatory arthritis are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Gout
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
“In these diseases, the immune system doesn’t work properly and releases inflammatory chemicals,” the Arthritis Foundation explained.
“The resulting inflammation attacks joint tissues and can cause joint swelling, increased joint fluid, cartilage and bone damage, and muscle loss.
“Nerves in the joints are also activated, causing pain.”
Delving into the details of psoriatic arthritis, the NHS elaborated by stating that this is a “long-term condition that can get progressively worse”.
Psoriatic arthritis is seen in one in three people who have the skin condition psoriasis.
Usually developing five to 10 years after psoriasis is diagnosed, symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
The severity of the condition will differ significantly from person to person.
And medication typically involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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