Diet is an important ingredient in maintaining a perfect physique and disease proof body. With 70% Americans being victims of obesity, the first step in treating any disease is weight reduction. Diet control programs are based on individual preferences as certain people are allergic to certain food items or tend to put on fat easily. Begin by checking different food items such as dairy products, meats, and green vegetables in quantity, quality, and portions to have an idea of what is best suited for your condition and body type. Sometimes Osteoarthritis patients are allergic to fish or other meat products and need substitutes. A vegetarian diet that includes green vegetables, carrots, avocado, seaweeds, barley and wheat, grass products, pecans, soy products, sprouts, brown rice, millet or oats is equally effective. Certain food items and drinks such as alcohol, coffee, sugar, saturated fat, margarine, excess salt, spinach, cranberries, plums and nuts need to be avoided. The ideal diet for osteoarthritis patients is food rich in Vitamin E found in beef, corn, egg yolks, nuts wheat germ and sunflower oil. This helps minimize tissue damage due to aging, smoking or stress. Omega-3 fatty acids if consumed regularly help reduce inflammation and best source for this is oily fish variety. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, melons, kiwi fruit, pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries needs to be included in diet. Good sources of Silicon that calcifies and strengthen bones are wholegrain cereals, oats, barley, and root vegetables. Copper and Zinc available through food sources such as oysters, crab, almonds, beans, prunes, lamb, pork, mushrooms, whole grains, beef, liver, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds help in reducing inflammation of the cartilage of joints. Diary products, preservatives, and acidic fruits should be left alone. The idea is to maintain a healthy body weight and successfully control Osteoarthritis. |
