Mediterranean Diet for Arthritic Pain

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Mediterranean Diet for Arthritic Pain

 

 

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Misty L. Trepke

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Mediterranean Diet for Arthritic Pain

By Darin Ingels, ND

 

http://www.livingnaturally.com/corp/getpage.asp?

contentid=45 & articleID=4890

 

 

Healthnotes Newswire (June 19, 2003) & #151;People suffering from

rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience decreased inflammation in

their joints, improved physical function, and increased vitality by

consuming a Mediterranean diet, according to a new study in Annals

of Rheumatic Diseases (2003;62:208 & #150;14).

 

The findings of the new study suggest that relatively minor dietary

changes can significantly improve the quality of life in individuals

with RA.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects more than

1% of all Americans and most often becomes symptomatic between the

ages of 25 and 50. Women are twice as likely as men to get this

disease.

 

Although the exact cause of RA is unknown, it is known that the

immune system attacks the body and causes destruction in connective

tissue, particularly in small joints such as the hands, feet, ankles,

wrists,and elbows.

 

Symptoms include stiffness in the joints, which is usually worse in

the morning or after periods of inactivity, physical deformities, and

pain in the joints.

 

In the new study, 51 Swedish adults with RA of at least two years'

duration were randomly assigned to consume a Mediterranean diet or a

typical Western diet for three months.

 

The Mediterranean diet consists primarily of cold water fish, fruit,

vegetables, whole grain bread, and beans and contains considerably

less red meat and dairy products than do Western diets.

 

The main sources of fat in food preparation, baking, and salad

dressings are extra virgin olive oil.

 

A specific measurement of disease activity based on joint swelling

and tenderness, inflammation, and pain was performed

every three weeks. Questionnaires about physical function and

quality of life were given at the same intervals.

 

Those consuming the Mediterranean diet had a statistically

significant 56% " decrease " in disease 'activity', based on

reductions in joint swelling,tenderness, and pain.

 

A modest improvement in physical 'functioning' was also reported in

the Mediterranean diet group, as well as increased 'vitality' and a

better sense of 'well-being' compared with one year earlier.

 

The majority of these benefits were not seen until after

six weeks of treatment.

 

Individuals in the Mediterranean diet group had a small, but

significant 'decrease' in weight of about seven pounds (3

kg) and a slight 'decrease' in total cholesterol. No significant

change in any measurement was observed in those consuming the

standard diet.

 

Other nutritional supplements that have been shown to be effective

intreating RA include Spectrum Norwegian fish oil, borage oil,

vitamin E, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), selenium, zinc, and green-

lipped mussel.

 

Herbal extracts of boswellia and Devil's claw may also reduce the

swelling associated with RA.

 

Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor's degree from

Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from

Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA.

 

Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering

Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High

Cholesterol (Prima, 2000).

 

He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health

Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in

environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular

contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire.

2003 Healthnotes, Inc.

 

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Eating Sulphur Rich Foods Beneficial--

---

Sulphur rich food is very beneficial for alleviating the pain and

discomfort associated with arthritis. As you may have known, I

greatly prefer choosing diet over supplements whenever possible.

For any type of joint pain it is best to include the following foods

in your daily diet:

 

* CABBAGE---Cabbage is high in fiber, but more important is it's

SULPHUR and iron content!

 

Sulfur is important for neutralizing the 'toxic' effects of EXCESS

cobalt, nickel and copper.

 

* CELERY---The organic sodium in celery acts as a SOLVENT to break

down CALCIUM DEPOSITS that lodge in the JOINTS and kidneys! It

contains MAGNESIUM which acts as a stress reducer.

 

* CHICORY/ENDIVE---These two foods usually used in salads, have a

high magnesium content which *glues* calcium and phosphorus to the

bones. They are good for adding MASS to bone as well as LUBRICATING

THE JOINTS.

 

* WATERMELON---The high water content (92%) makes watermelon a great

body flusher. Although its mostly liquid, it is rich in potassium.

Good for: ARTHRITIS, urmeic poisioning, kidney stones, nausea nad

colic.

 

* APPLES---The high pectin in apples fights fat and lowers

cholesterol; the fiber stimulates digestion.

The PULP helps DISSOLVE ACID 'CRYSTAL DEPOSITS' IN JOINTS!

 

* PARSLEY---The high mineral content content helps restore the

body's overall health by neutralizing 'acidic' conditions.

 

Good for Arthritis, allergies, cellulitis and getting rid of excess

" mercury " in the body!

 

* CHERRIES---Rich in iron and magnesium, cherries help cleanse the

urinary system. They are low in calories and high in potassium and

vitamin D. Good for: ARTHRITIS, theumatism, gout, anemia, kidney and

liver problems.

 

* BERRIES---Berries are high in Vitamins A and C. They act as a

blood cleanser and an anti-inflammatory.

Good for: ARTHRITIS, stiff joints,

high blood pressure, bleeding gums, swollen lymph nodes, colds and

flu.

 

* MELONS---All melons are high in vitamins C and A; orange melons

are high in beta-carotene. when combined with lemon juice, they help

eliminate 'URIC ACID' in JOINTS.

 

* GRAPES---Whether purple or green, grapes are great for quick

energy. They make a potent CLEANSER for the kidneys and liver and

are rich in cancer-blocking compounds. These foods are excellent for

JOINT problems,I practically live on them myself.