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Arthritis is coming to be considered as an inevitable part of growing old. In the United States, over 40 million people suffer from arthritis - the resulting cost to the US economy is to the tune of over 130 billion dollars, according to studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Studies have shown that people who suffer from arthritis can improve symptoms by changing their diet. The cause of arthritis can stem from various situations. Certainly, genetics plays a role in whether a person will develop arthritis. Other factors include age, weight, previous injuries, some high-level sports, and illness or infection.

Inflammation and arthritis go together. Inflammation is a sign that your body is trying to cope with injuries of some sort, when cytokines are produced. When too much of cytokines are produced by the body, inflammation is the result. There are certain foods that stimulate the production of cytokines. It follows that eliminating these foods from your diet can help you deal with arthritis much better.

Any foods containing phytochemicals, such as color-rich vegetables and fruits, help battle the inflammatory condition in Arthritis. Fruits containing lots of vitamin C are ideal for daily consumption and these include apples, cantaloupe, melon, strawberries, mango, raspberries, blackberries and kiwi.

Choose vegetables that are high in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, collard greens, kale, spinach, squash, and sweet potatoes.

Consume foods or use dietary supplements that are rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids. These include certain types of fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and trout. Unfortunately much of the world’s fish supply is contaminated with high levels of mercury. It is recommended that you limit fish consumption 4-ounce portions, consumed 2-3 times per week.

If you can find fish that is free of mercury, you can incorporate it in your diet without reservations. Such fish oil supplements are also a great option. Searching online will give options you can turn to.

Other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include nuts and seeds. But, remember to avoid dry roasted and salted versions. Brazil nuts, walnuts, linseeds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also rich in Omega-3. Twelve almonds a day can give you the recommended daily dose of the fatty acids.

Your daily diet must include whole grains, lentils, brown rice, chick peas and other high protein food varieties, while processed foods must be avoided as much as possible. Try including quinoa (pronounced “kinwa”), known as the “mother of all grains.”

Gluten is a component of grains such as wheat, oats, barley and rye. Gluten is known to cause inflammation within the body and many individuals may be allergic to it without even realizing. Studies have shown that wheat and corn can irritate patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Celiac disease.

There are several other food products that can cause arthritic inflammation and therefore, should be avoided. These include red meat, milk and other dairy products, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flour, honey, coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, tobacco, white potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and food additives such as MSG (monosodium glutamate).

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