JointsAlive.com Ultra Arthritis Anti-Inflammation Diet
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Table of Contents
The Arthritis Anti-Inflammatory Diet ....................................... 3
Degenerative Arthritis ............................................................... 3
Infectious Arthritis ..................................................................... 4
Metabolic Arthritis .................................................................... 5
Inflammatory Arthritis ............................................................... 5
Anti-inflammatory Foods .......................................................... 8
Vegetables ................................................................................ 8
Fruits ....................................................................................... 9
Dietary Fats ........................................................................... 10
Spices .................................................................................... 12
Inflammatory Foods ................................................................ 16
Controversial Foods ................................................................. 18
Nightshade Plants ................................................................... 18
Dairy products ....................................................................... 19
Grains .................................................................................... 19
Lifestyle Changes .................................................................... 21
Sample Meal Plan ..................................................................... 23
Dining Out Suggestions ............................................................ 25
Commonly Prescribed Arthritic Medicines ............................. 26
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The Arthritis Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Under the right circumstances, inflammation is a natural and
beneficial response to an attack on the body by a foreign
substance (i.e. pollen, chemical, or microbe). Unfortunately,
certain issues may trigger inflammation that is unnecessary,
and it is this inflammation that can become harmful.
Inflammation is, on some level, the source of almost all
chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes,
Alzheimer’s and arthritis.
Arthritis is a term that just about everyone is familiar
with, but did you know that there are over 100 identified
types of arthritis? According to the Arthritis Foundation,
this disease is the leading cause of disability in the United
States. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, stiffness and
decreased range of motion. Of course, any of these can
affect your ability to enjoy daily activities, especially if they
become severe. There are four categories into which this
disease is divided: degenerative, infectious, metabolic, and
inflammatory.
Degenerative Arthritis
Occurs over a period of time. Osteoarthritis is the most
common type. Involving the loss of cartilage in a particular
joint or joints, this kind of arthritis becomes extremely
painful because cartilage is what essentially lubricates the
joint allowing for pain-free movement. When cartilage is
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lost, the bones rub together which can cause swelling, pain
and stiffness.
Infectious Arthritis
Occurs when a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, usually in
another area of the body, causes an inflammatory response
in the joints by travelling through the bloodstream. Some
examples of these triggers include rheumatic fever, Lyme
disease, fifth disease, shigella, Hepatitis C and chlamydia. If
the infection is not cured quickly, the arthritic response can
become chronic.
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Metabolic Arthritis
Involves a build-up of uric acid in the joints. When uric acid
forms in the joints, it creates needle-like crystals which can
be extremely painful. This build-up is commonly known as
gout. While gout may come and go, if uric acid levels are
not reduced, then, just like with infectious arthritis, the
inflammation may become chronic.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Is triggered by a number of factors. A combination of
genetic and environmental triggers (smoking is a major risk
factor) plays a role in the development of this form of
arthritis. Rheumatoid and psoriatic are the most common
examples. Autoimmune diseases are typically how
inflammatory arthritis is expressed. This means that the
body attacks itself for no apparent reason causing chronic
inflammation in the joints. Even beyond the joints, these
diseases can cause skin rashes, eye inflammation, hair loss,
dry mouth and fever.
After being diagnosed with arthritis, most people are
given some form of prescription drug that is intended to
target certain symptoms caused by their specific type of
arthritis. While these may seem like a quick and easy fix,
many prescription drugs come with a plethora of potential
side-effects and often need to be taken for the unforeseeable
future.
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Whether or not you or a loved one are using doctor-
recommended pharmaceuticals to help with arthritic pain,
your nutrition plays a key role in either getting you off those
drugs altogether or dramatically decreasing the symptoms
caused by arthritis. For some, a lifestyle overhaul has even
put inflammatory arthritis into remission. When it comes to
optimal food choices for inflammatory issues, there are
some foods that have been shown to be anti-inflammatory,
inflammatory and some that are controversial regarding this
property.
For better understanding of why certain foods are
beneficial to the body while others are not, it is important to
understand certain nutritional terminology and the impact
each plays in the body.
Micronutrients
A chemical element or substance that is essential in minute
amounts to the growth and health of a living organism.
Vitamins
Any of various organic substances that are essential in
minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some
plants, act especially as coenzymes and precursors of
coenzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes but do
not provide energy or serve as building units, and are
present in natural foodstuffs or sometimes produced within
the body.
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Minerals
Materials found in foods that are essential for growth and
health and do not contain carbon. Those relevant to the
human body are sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium,
phosphate, sulfate, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc,
manganese, iodine, selenium and molybdenum.
Flavonoids
Any large group of typically biologically active water-
soluble plant compounds (anthocyanins and flavones) that
include pigments ranging from yellow to red to blue and
occur especially in fruits, vegetables and herbs; effective
scavengers of free radicals.
Free Radicals
An especially reactive atom or group of atoms that has one
or more unpaired electrons; one that is produced in the body
by natural biological processes or introduced from an
outside source (such as tobacco smoke, toxins or pollutants)
and that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering
their chemical structure.
Antioxidants
A substance that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by
oxygen, peroxides or free radicals.
Polyphenols
An antioxidant phytochemical.
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Phytonutrients
A bioactive plant-derived compound associated with
positive health effects.
Carotenoids
Any of various usually yellow to red pigments found widely
in plants and animals; Example: carotenes—occur in the
chromoplasts of plants and in the fatty tissues of plant-
eating animals and are convertible to vitamin A.
Anti-inflammatory Foods
Vegetables
It’s no surprise that vegetables would make the top of the
list when it comes to foods that would be beneficial to your
health. A large variety of vegetables are
known to have anti-inflammatory
properties due to the number and
kinds of vitamins and minerals
they have.
Green, leafy vegetables like
spinach, kale, chard, lettuce
and others are rich in
antioxidant vitamins A, C
and K as well as anti-
inflammatory flavonoids.
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Celery is an excellent source of potassium, antioxidants and
vitamins. Its nutrients make it an excellent food for lowering
inflammation and fighting bacterial infections.
Beets contain potassium, magnesium and betalain, which is
the antioxidant that gives beets their signature color.
Betalain is an incredible anti-inflammatory making beets an
ideal food to incorporate into your diet for arthritic relief.
Broccoli is high in potassium and magnesium and contains
flavonoids, carotenoids and key vitamins that have anti-
inflammatory properties.
Bok choy is an uncommon vegetable in American homes,
but it contains hydroxycinnamic acids which are acids that
relieve oxidative stress by scavenging the free radicals in
the body.
Fruits
Many fruits are also high in vitamins and minerals
that are necessary to reduce inflammation.
Strawberries, Blackberries
and Raspberries are high in fiber,
vitamins and minerals making them
extremely useful for fighting
inflammation.
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Blueberries contain a flavonoid known as quercetin.
Quercetin has antioxidant properties that make it excellent
for reducing inflammation.
Pineapples contain vitamin C, vitamin B1, potassium,
manganese and a unique substance known as bromelain.
Bromelain prevents blood clotting, stops blood platelets
from sticking together and/or adhering to the walls of blood
vessels and has immune-regulating properties.
Dietary Fats
Certain foods contain fatty acids that are essential to the
human body. This means that our bodies are unable to make
these fatty acids ourselves so it is “essential” that we
consume them in our diets. These are known as omega-3, -6
and -9 fatty acids. In the typical Western diet, the most
commonly consumed fatty acid is omega-6. These are found
in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Vegetable oils are used in
almost every processed food (cookies, cakes, crackers, etc.)
as well as in nearly every fast food restaurant. Omega-6s are
not “bad” by themselves, but the hormones that are made in
the body from these fatty acids promote inflammation
(which again, is not a “bad” bodily response in the
appropriate context), blood clotting and cell production. In
contrast, bodily hormones that utilize omega-3 fatty acids
perform functions that are almost the exact opposite to
hormones made with omega-6s, thereby, ideally, keeping
one another balanced.
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Unfortunately, Western diets are so high in omega-6 fatty
acids and so low in omega-3s that the ideal balance for the
human body (which is a 1:1-4 ratio of omega-3: omega-6) is
extremely far off and is anywhere between 1:20 and 1:50!
You can see how such an extreme imbalance could
contribute to severe inflammation.
The best way to use fats to reduce inflammation is to
meet the body’s need for the correct balance between
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Decreasing omega-6
intake while simultaneously increasing omega-3 intake will
typically correct this issue. Below are some foods that are
high in omega-3s or their precursors that the body can use.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains not only omega-
3s, but also oleocanthal. Oleocanthal naturally blocks the
same inflammatory pathways that ibuprofen and aspirin
target. It is ideal to use EVOO in place of vegetable oils
(canola, safflower, sunflower, etc.) and butter in cooking,
baking
and salad dressings.
Walnuts are a nut that are very high
in one of the omega-3 fatty acid precursors.
The body can then convert this precursor
into the essential fatty acid necessary for
anti-inflammatory hormone production.
Walnuts make a great addition to salad or
as a midday snack.
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Chia seeds are a powerhouse food that provide both
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a balanced way. They
also contain mucin, strontium, vitamins A, B, E and D as
well as the minerals Sulphur, iron, iodine, magnesium,
manganese, niacin and thiamine. These can easily be added
to a variety of foods including oatmeal, salads, smoothies,
etc. There are also many baking and cooking recipes that
incorporate chia seeds as a base ingredient.
Flaxseeds are very similar to chia seeds in that they are
an incredible source of nutrients. Containing omega-3s,
phytonutrients and polyphenols, flaxseeds are great for
reducing chronic inflammation, promoting the growth of
probiotics in the gut and eliminating yeast and candida in
the body. Flaxseed can be used in a way similarly to chia
seeds. You can buy ground flaxseeds or grind your own to
give the body optimal opportunity to absorb the nutrients.
When it comes to meats, a variety of fatty fish are known
to be great sources of omega-3s. Wild-caught salmon is one
that provides omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure to choose
high-quality, smaller fatty fish to consume. The larger the
fish, the higher the potential concentration of mercury.
Spices
There are two spices that have been proven in multiple
studies as ideal for reducing inflammation. primary
compound curcumin has documented anti-inflammatory
abilities. It has even been shown to be more effective than
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aspirin and ibuprofen at reducing chronic inflammation.
According to a Japanese study, turmeric specifically reduced
the rheumatoid arthritis inflammatory cytokine IL-6.
Ginger is another spice that has been praised for its
healing properties. For centuries, ginger has been used in
medicines and is believed to help break down toxins in the
organs and cleanse the lymphatic system.
Garlic is another loved and utilized ingredient for
healing. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and even
anti-carcinogenic properties that are both healing and
therapeutic.
You can cook with garlic cloves in your
meals or simply crush or chew fresh
garlic cloves and ingest the juice.
This allows the body easy access
to the anti-inflammatory properties
found in fresh, raw garlic.
Onions are another great savory
food that can be used to fight
inflammation. They contain the same
compound found in blueberries—quercetin.
Again, this has potent anti-oxidative
properties making it ideal for reducing
chronic inflammation. Onions may be cooked
in multiple ways and still retain the total amount of
available quercetin, but keep in mind that boiling them in
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water can cause the quercetin to leach into the water,
thereby removing it from the onion.
Sometimes it is easier to look through a list of foods
that are categorized based on their micronutrients. A few are
listed below.
vitamin C, carotenes and bioflavonoids:
Beta-carotene: Sweet potatoes, carrots, kale,
butternut squash, turnip greens, pumpkins, mustard
greens, cantaloupes, sweet red peppers, apricots,
spinach
Beta-cryptoxanthin: winter squash, pumpkins,
persimmons, papayas, tangerines, red chili peppers,
red bell peppers, corn, oranges, apricots, carrots,
nectarines, watermelon
Quercetin: onions, kale, leeks, cherry tomatoes,
broccoli, blueberries, black currants, elderberries,
lingonberries, apricots, red apples (with their skin
on), red/purple/black grapes
Anthocyanins: blackberries, black currants,
blueberries, elderberries, raspberries, cherries,
boysenberries, red/purple/black grapes, strawberries,
plums, cranberries, rhubarb, red onions, apples
Vitamin D:
Wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, egg yolks
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Vitamin E:
Nuts, seeds, spinach, avocado
B vitamins:
B6: mushrooms, bell peppers, turkey, cod and kale
Folate: dark, leafy greens and black-eyed peas
Coenzyme Q10:
Olive oil, salmon, sardines, avocado, parsley,
walnuts, mackerel, broccoli, spinach
A deficiency in certain minerals has also been shown to
be linked to acute and chronic inflammatory health issues.
Magnesium deficiency has been strongly linked to
inflammatory health issues. Part of the reason for this is that
calcium, which is typically consumed far more often in
Western diets than magnesium, is not processed well
without magnesium. When this happens, calcium builds up
in the body and can create calcified kidney stones and cause
inflammation. Magnesium also helps the body to regulate
certain inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and
IL-6 making it an important part of an anti-inflammatory
diet.
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Inflammatory Foods
There are many inflammatory foods that are
in the typical Western diet. Sometimes,
they can be difficult to identify but
more often, inflammatory foods
are ones we are told to avoid
when it comes to proper
nutrition. The obvious ones
include sugary foods, refined
carbohydrates, fried foods,
soda and sugar- or artificially-
sweetened drinks, red and
processed meats, margarine,
shortening and lard and other
“unhealthy” foods. For the
most part, it is safe to say that the more processed a food is,
the worse it will be for your health, especially when it
comes to inflammation. Eliminating these foods from the
diet will immediately allow the body to begin to return to a
natural and healthy state. Replacing them with anti-
inflammatory foods will allow the process of healing to
occur even more quickly.
There are some natural foods that are known to contain
elements that aid the body’s inflammatory response. It is
important to know which ones these are so that you may
actively avoid consuming them if you have arthritis or other
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inflammatory issues. These foods work by activating or
assisting the body’s pro-inflammatory responses (cytokines
IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]).
Pork is one of the most inflammatory foods one could
eat. Pigs in the United States typically eat grains and seed
oils (although they will eat just about anything) which
increases their already high omega-6 content, adding to the
imbalance discussed previously. Processed pork is usually
processed by smoking, curing or salting and then preserved
with chemical preservatives. Some of the most harmful
preservatives used in processed meats and lunch meats are
the nitrates. These nitrates are converted to nitrosamines
which have been linked to specific cancers. While processed
types of pork are harmful, it is believed that fresh pork
can actually be even worse to consume.
Because pigs will eat almost any
foods—living, healthy, sick, dead,
etc.—they are prone to contract
and carry many diseases. These
include Porcine Reproductive and
Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS),
Nipah Virus, Menangle Virus
and Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus
(PERV). In addition to creating an
inflammatory response, these diseases
can cause other types of damage to the body.
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Controversial Foods
While some foods are known for their anti-inflammatory or
inflammatory properties, there are quite a few that are
categorized as controversial. This is because they seem to be
beneficial for some people but can cause inflammation in
others. Much of this may depend on your specific health
background. If you are unsure of how your body responds to
these foods, try each of them one at a time as your only
potentially inflammatory food for a few days. Focus on how
your body feels in response to that food, and then adjust
your diet accordingly.
Nightshade Plants
These foods are ones that contain solanine, an ingredient to
which some may be sensitive, and a minute amount of the
alkaloid nicotine. If you are sensitive to nightshades, you
will notice that you have stiff joints shortly after consuming
foods in this family.
Foods included in the nightshade family are eggplants,
white potatoes, tomatoes, chili peppers, bell peppers,
tomatillos, goose berry and goji berry. The solanine content
in white potatoes will be greater when white potatoes are
green and/or sprouted. A bitter taste will also indicate a
higher solanine content in white potatoes so if they taste
bitter, throw them out.
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If you decide to eliminate nightshades from your diet
either in an attempt to determine your body’s sensitivity to
them or because you already know you have a sensitivity to
them, there are some great alternatives that can be consumed
in their place. Black pepper and other peppercorns, wasabi,
horseradish, and ginger make for great seasonings and can
help you feel like you are not missing out on great flavor
options. Substituting potatoes with cauliflower (i.e. using
mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes since they
have a similar texture and can be seasoned the same way as
mashed potatoes) is a great way to help your body adjust to
not eating potatoes without feeling like you are completely
missing out.
Dairy products
For those with a dairy sensitivity, these foods can cause
inflammation in the body. If you know you have a dairy
sensitivity or intolerance, you can use dairy substitutes as
long as you research the ingredients to ensure any added
ingredients will not produce an inflammatory response.
Grains
Some people have developed a sensitivity or intolerance to
the protein gluten in wheat products that can cause or
worsen inflammation in the body. If this is the case for you,
do not eat wheat, barley or bulgur wheat. [Oats are fine to
eat as long as they are labeled “gluten-free”
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because the processing plants may
contain or process other products
containing gluten that could
unintentionally contaminate
the oats. If they are labeled
“gluten-free”, then the
processing plant will have
taken extra steps to ensure that
there is no cross-contamination.]
Other symptoms of gluten sensitivity
or intolerance include digestive issues
ranging from bloating and gas to fatigue.
Some people have been found to have almost no digestive
symptoms, but instead have neurological issues from
headaches to tingling and numbness.
Lectin is a sugar-binding protein that is found in grains
and legumes that can cause digestive inflammation. The
reason for this is because they are resistant to being broken
down during digestion and even during cooking. Once they
are absorbed, they bind to the surfaces of cells and can
affect cell-to-cell interactions. According to recent research
studies, lectins may be involved in the severity of certain
diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid
arthritis, infertility and diabetes mellitus. Much is still
unknown about lectins, but it is a good idea to test your
body’s response to lectin-containing foods if you have an
inflammatory disease.
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Lifestyle Changes
In order to more effectively combat inflammation in the
body, nutrition choices are only one piece of the puzzle that
should be considered. Lifestyle changes can be challenging
to implement, but are necessary to improve quality of life
and reduce symptoms.
When changing your diet, it can be easy to feel
completely overwhelmed so begin by making small
changes. Choose one or two dietary changes to implement
each week, attend cooking classes to encourage an
understanding and enjoyment of food, and find someone
who can help you try new recipes and talk with you about
the changes you are or intend to make. This will encourage
and challenge you to engage with food in exciting new
ways! When you realize that food can be a power source for
healing, choosing what to eat brings empowerment and joy.
Exercise, as you have probably heard before, plays a
major role in reducing inflammation in the body. When you
engage in low-, moderate-, or high-impact activities
(depending on your preference and abilities), your body
pumps your blood more efficiently and more quickly to your
muscles and organs. This allows for increased oxygen flow
and movement of toxic or harmful substances out of the
body more quickly. Listen to your body’s limitations, but do
not be afraid to push yourself either. Typically, the body can
handle more than the brain wants to allow so if you find that
your current level of activity is insufficient in helping your
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symptoms, see if you can push yourself a little bit further.
You know your body’s abilities and needs so listen to what
it is saying and adjust accordingly.
Go outside! As discussed earlier in
the nutrition section, vitamin D plays an
important role in fighting and preventing
rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of
inflammation. While you can consume
vitamin D, going outside in the sunlight
will allow your body to quickly produce
this healing vitamin. You can combine
both exercise and going outside by going
for walks, playing with the kids or grandkids
outside, gardening, mowing the grass, etc.
There are many ways to get creative for
the good of your health!
Weight loss can dramatically improve
inflammatory issues. Because of all the
health problems that can accompany excess
weight, losing excess body fat becomes a
significant way to reduce these health issues.
Reducing the amount of stress on the joints
will immediately decrease joint inflammation
and bring relief. When choosing to lose weight,
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however, keep in mind that slow, steady, consistent weight
loss is the most effective way to maintain health and keep
the weight off for the long term.
When you choose to eat (without overeating) anti-
inflammatory foods, your body is more likely to
automatically respond with weight loss if you are already
overweight. Be sure that you speak with your doctor before
making significant dietary or exercise changes, especially if
you have current health issues that may need to be
monitored.
Sample Meal Plan
Below is a sample meal plan using well-established
anti-inflammatory foods.
Breakfast options:
Omega-3 egg omelet with vegetables
and spices cooked with either virgin
coconut oil or olive oil
Oatmeal cooked with water;
add ground chia or flaxseeds and fruit
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Lunch/Dinner options:
A lean meat (chicken, turkey or fish),
with a salad containing a variety of
vegetables and proteins
A lean meat with steamed, sautéed or
roasted vegetables with spices
Snack options:
Meal shakes using frozen or fresh fruits,
high-quality protein powder, and some of
your favorite raw nut.
Fresh fruits
Raw nuts
Consume mostly water, but if you find you want a flavored
drink, organic green tea is an excellent anti-inflammatory liquid.
Keep in mind that the way you cook foods can alter the
bioavailability of their nutrients. Steaming vegetables is one of
the best ways to cook them as opposed to boiling them. When
you boil any foods with water-soluble nutrients (B vitamins,
vitamin C and other micronutrients), a large amount of those
nutrients may leech into the water becoming unavailable for
consumption when you eat the vegetable. If you choose to boil
vegetables, try to find a way to use the water in other cooking
methods.
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Dining Out Suggestions
Cooking food at home is the best way to ensure that
know exactly what is going into your meal, but sometimes,
this may not be an immediately practical option or you may
want to have a night out without compromising your diet.
Eating out can still be both enjoyable and beneficial to your
situation, there are just some guidelines to keep in mind.
Any time you dine out, look for meals that have a high
vegetable content (whether as a side dish or the main
portion), lean meats that have been grilled or baked, and/or
have whole grains. Vegetables and lean meats should never
be fried as this promotes the omega-3: omega-6 imbalance
discussed previously. They should be roasted, steamed,
baked or grilled.
Salads should contain a variety of vegetables and, if
you choose to have a meat, use lean meats—grilled chicken,
shrimp or turkey breast. Dressings can hide inflammatory
ingredients so be sure to choose a vinaigrette or olive oil
and vinegar instead of common dressings like ranch, bleu
cheese or thousand island.
Sandwiches need to utilize whole grains (unless your
body has an inflammatory response as discussed above),
lean meats, vegetables and good fats (ex: avocado). This
will provide a well-balanced anti-inflammatory meal that
will keep you full for a while. If you have grain
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sensitivities, you may try some gluten-free bread options or
use iceberg lettuce leaves as the “wrap” portion of the
sandwich.
Sauces used for foods can hide inflammatory
ingredients so be sure to ask for them to be given on the side
of a dish instead of poured over the food. They tend to be
full of sugar/artificial sweeteners, sodium, food coloring,
and other ingredients that can irritate or worsen
inflammation in the body so either eliminate sauces or opt
for whole food sauces.
Fast food options are best avoided altogether. Often
times, fast food meals contain hidden ingredients that can be
extremely inflammatory, especially since they are not truly
fresh ingredients. Many use preservatives and colors that are
harmful to the body. While fast food salads may seem like a
healthy option for a fast food joint, their ingredients may
also not be as fresh or as preservative-free as is necessary
for an anti-inflammatory meal.
Commonly Prescribed Arthritic Medicines
The goal of anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals is to reduce
swelling which then reduces pain. Unfortunately, the focus
is not on the source of the inflammation, but on the
symptoms with the hope to slow the disease. Many doctors
do not recommend or do not strongly insist on a dietary
alteration as the most important change to control or slow
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arthritis, but when adherence to an appropriate anti-
inflammatory diet is followed, prescription anti-
inflammatory drug use can either be reduced or, ideally,
altogether eliminated. If you begin an anti-inflammatory
diet as soon as you are diagnosed with an inflammatory
disease like arthritis, you may be able to avoid
pharmaceuticals entirely. This is the ideal scenario as many
of these drugs can have side-effects ranging from mild to
severe.
What kinds of pharmaceutical drugs are used to treat
rheumatoid arthritis?
1. Those that decrease pain and by decreasing
inflammation are very common and can either be over-
the-counter or prescription drugs.
NSAIDs are a type of drug that aim to decrease pain by
decreasing inflammation. Some commonly recognized
brands of NSAIDs are Motrin® (ibuprofen) and Aleve®
(naproxen).
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The issue with NSAIDs is two-fold. First, because of
their similarity, there may not be one “better option” than
another. Second, these drugs are known to cause stomach
and kidney side-effects making them a poor choice for
anyone who already has stomach and/or kidney issues.
COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2) inhibitors also aim to
decrease inflammation and pain. What makes these different
from NSAIDs is that they were created in order to more
effectively manage inflammation without having as many
side-effects on the stomach as NSAIDs can have by
reducing the “bad” prostaglandins and leaving the protective
“good” prostglandins.
While it seems more beneficial for treating rheumatoid
arthritis, COX-2 inhibitors are not without their own side-
effects. Some studies have shown that people with
hypertension may develop edema (swelling) and increased
diastolic blood pressure levels.
2. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
are used with the intention of altering the immune
system in an effort to slow the progress of the
inflammatory disease.
Many DMARDs have been on the market for quite
some time, and several of the older ones are still in use
today. Methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine and
sulfasalazine are some of the original medications that are
still currently in use. Those that were used in the past
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include cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, gold salts and
penicillamine. Before their use against rheumatoid arthritis,
many of these drugs were used against a variety of other
illnesses including malaria, cancer and psoriasis. To treat
rheumatoid arthritis today, many of these drugs are used in
conjunction with other drugs and can require a minimum of
four weeks (although some take up to two to three months)
before results are seen.
Side-effects of traditional DMARDs seem to worsen when
multiple DMARD courses are taken consecutively. Side-
effects range from nausea, rashes and abdominal pain to eye
issues, infections and ulcers.
3. Biologics are newer DMARDs that have been approved
and in use since the early 2000s.
Instead of simply being known as DMARDs, these
particular drugs are called biologic agents because they
target the specific molecules responsible for rheumatoid
arthritis inflammation. Simply put, the difference between
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older DMARDs and biologics is that traditional DMARDs
impact the body’s immune response to inflammation while
biologics focus on the specific inflammatory cells. This is
what makes biologics more effective in their use against
rheumatic arthritis. Depending on the severity of the
individual’s arthritis, a combination of traditional DMARDs
and biologics may be used. Some examples of biologic
agents that are currently on the market include etanercept
(Enbrel®), adalimumab (Humira®), tofacitinib (Xejanj®),
and infliximab (Remicade®).
While these drugs are slightly more advantageous than
traditional DMARDs because of their specificity, they do
carry some potentially significant side-effects, depending on
the person’s medical history. Because of their interaction
with the immune system, both biologic agents and DMARDs
can worsen or cause infections. They can also be dangerous
for those who have or have had lymphoma or tuberculosis.
Why is an anti-inflammatory diet important for long-
term health?
As seen based on the information provided, an intentional,
anti-inflammatory diet has a variety of benefits. First, it will
provide an overall increase in health. The body was not
intended to live in a state of chronic inflammation so
reducing inflammation that is not in response to a foreign
attack on the body is necessary for optimal health. This
reduction in symptoms can provide a significant increase in
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one’s quality of life and could even possibly result in
arthritis going into remission.
Drug interactions are another major concern when it
comes to pharmaceuticals. With so many prescription and
non-prescription drugs available on the market, it can be
difficult to maintain knowledge about which drugs should or
should not be taken together. While a doctor should be able
to give that kind of information, there are still far too many
accidents that happen when correct drug information is not
given or is misunderstood.
When you choose to heal your body naturally, there is
no risk of dangerous drug interactions. If you focus on
eating only anti-inflammatory foods and making healthy
life-style changes, your body will respond much more
quickly than it will to many of these drug regimens, and a
healthy dietary alteration is one you can use for the rest of
your life without negative side-effects (unlike most
pharmaceuticals)!
Each person’s body may respond to food differently so
pay attention to your body’s signs as you implement an anti-
inflammatory diet (especially when testing the controversial
food group). Make a plan for how you will begin to change
your nutrition, and stick to it. Your body will thank you!
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