Arthritis is often associated with older people, but it can also affect children and younger people. The Cleveland Clinic says: “Food is medicine. If you’re struggling with pain from arthritis, eating foods that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties — along with any drugs or other treatments your doctor recommends — may help.”
Versus Arthritis says: “Eating a balanced diet and having a healthy lifestyle such as regular physical activity, not smoking, not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can have a huge impact on arthritis and our health in general.”
It adds: “Although there are no diets or supplements that will cure your arthritis, some people do find that their condition is affected by what they eat, how much they weigh and their physical activity levels.”
Nonetheless, the charity says changing your diet probably won’t have as great an impact on your arthritis as medical treatments, and it’s not recommended that you stop any of your treatments.
The charity warns that eating too much salt can increase your blood pressure, which is linked to cardiovascular disease.
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“An adult should only eat 6g of salt a day – but around three-quarters of this is already in food such as bread, soups and sauces, when we buy it,” it says.
Indeed, the NHS states: “Adults should eat no more than 6g of salt a day (2.4g sodium) – that’s around 1 teaspoon.”
The health body explains that diets should consist of a variety of foods from all five food groups.
The health body adds that you should include milk and dairy foods, and foods containing fat and sugar.
Some foods can actually trigger inflammation, so if you have an arthritis diagnosis it may be worth cutting these down in your diet.
Research suggests that processed foods, food with added sugars and red meats may cause inflammation.
The NHS says that there are lots of different types of arthritis, though the symptoms you experience will vary depending on the type you have.
It says it is important to have an ”accurate diagnosis” and there are a number of general symptoms to look out for.
Unfortunately arthritis can be very painful for some people with the condition, and may impact people of all ages.
The NHS explains that living with arthritis can sometimes mean carrying out everyday tasks that can often be painful and difficult.
Nonetheless, there are a number of factors that can ease pain.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to slow the condition’s progress and minimise joint inflammation.
