Dietary therapy for Osteoarthritis

Detoxification Diet and General Dietary Guidelines

According to naturopathic philosophy a major cause of osteoarthritis is accumulation of toxins in the joints. This is largely related to a lifetime of an inadequate or inappropriate diet and/or digestive insufficiency.

In order to reverse this process a fasting or detox diet program may be undertaken. At the very least it is important to increase intake of fruit and vegetables and pure water, while reducing intake of acid forming foods such as red meat, eggs, dairy, sugar, refined carbohydrates and coffee.

Fresh juices can be beneficial for general detoxification, nutritional support and alkalizing the system with optimal choices for arthritis being cherry, lemon, celery, parsley and carrot.

A diet high in complex carbohydrates and vegetables and thus dietary fiber and low in fat and cholesterol can help to reduce fat build up in the small arteries supplying the joints which increases the nourishment provided to the tissues. This dietary approach can also assist with achievement of ideal body weight thus reducing the load on weight bearing joints that occurs with obesity.

Hormonal Factors and Osteoarthritis

Estrogen is thought to play a role in the development of osteoarthritis and foods containing phytoestrogens can help to reduce this effect. Foods that contain phytoestrogens include soy, fennel, parsley, nuts, whole grains and apples.

The detoxification approach discussed previously will improve liver function thus indirectly improving hormonal balance.

Nightshade Vegetables and Osteoarthritis

Nightshade vegetables are considered to interfere with normal calcium metabolism and restriction of these vegetables for 4-6 months often improves symptoms in osteoarthritis patients. Nightshade plants include tomato, potato, eggplant, peppers, chili and tobacco. If these vegetables are included in the diet they are best complemented by a small amount of dairy such as yogurt, goat cheese or feta cheese as this may neutralize their effects to some degree.

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanins and Osteoarthritis

Foods rich in these compounds such as cherries and berries are beneficial in osteoarthritis as they may improve the integrity and structure of the collagen matrix. These compounds are also found in bilberry, hawthorn berry, grape seed extract and pine bark extract.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Osteoarthritis

Achievement of ideal body weight is highly beneficial as it reduces load on the weight bearing joints. Thus a health promoting diet and regular exercise is essential.

Exercise provides additional benefits as it increases circulation to the joints and strengthens surrounding muscles, a factor that is associated with a reduction of pain and improvements in clinical parameters. The most suitable forms of exercise are walking, swimming and yoga.

Stress reduction and visualization techniques can promote muscular relaxation and reduction of pain.

Smoking should be avoided because it dramatically impairs antioxidant status and tobacco is also a nightshade plant.

Copyright © Mizpah Matus 2003

See Also:

Osteoarthritis Nutritional Supplements

Detox Diets