Everyone knows that a healthy diet is the key to living a healthy life. However, what many people don’t know is that it can also play a huge role in the risk of developing arthritis. A person’s diet directly affects their weight and food allergies, both of which are directly related to arthritis. Eating healthfully is a key way of both preventing and managing arthritis.

Managing Your Weight

One major way that diet is related to arthritis is that it directly affects your body weight. Body weight is a major risk factor for arthritis. The risk is quite simple to understand: the more that one weighs, the higher their risk of developing arthritis. Yet, this phenomenon is not so simple to control in real life.

When someone develops arthritis due to their weight, it puts immense stress on their joints. This makes it difficult to move and walk, let alone exercise. Many obese or overweight people who are affected by arthritis often adopt a sedentary lifestyle—and yet, this only makes the problem worse. The vicious cycle is extremely difficult to deal with. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients are commonly affected by this never-ending cycle.

It is more important than ever to monitor your diet if you have arthritis, because having arthritis makes exercise nearly impossible! You can begin managing your arthritis through a diet by avoiding alcohol, sodium, fat, cholesterol, and sugar.

Allergic Reactions

Another reason to monitor your diet when you have arthritis is because certain foods can trigger arthritis flares. Certain foods can impact the immune system, and affect the production of anti-inflammatory compounds. Rashes, hives, and asthma are all allergic reactions that could indicate that you have consumed a food that is also an arthritis flare.

There are several other foods that could possibly cause an arthritis flare or worsen arthritis. These foods include: red meats, chocolate, additives and preservatives, caffeine, salt, and dairy products.

Tips On What To Eat

If you have arthritis and are trying to manage your diet, there are a few tips that could be of help. First of all, snack on grapes, pineapples, and other fruits. Many fruits contain the compound resveratrol, which is known for blocking cell inflammation. Additionally, eating vegetables, especially broccoli, is known to reduce inflammation. Fish is also a good choice because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to decrease inflammation.

Under Control

For people who suffer from arthritis, diet might seem like an unnecessary thing to worry about. Yet, the relationship between diet and arthritis is quite clear. Your diet is a modifiable risk factor for arthritis—and it could be something you need to change.