Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects your joints. There are many types of arthritis, and you can experience one or more forms of this chronic disease at the same time. While arthritis is more common in people who are in their retirement years and beyond, it’s possible to develop arthritis at a much younger age.
For many residents of Lanham, Maryland, who live with arthritis, Dr. Kadie E. Leach is an outstanding resource for diagnostic and treatment services. She shares her expertise on arthritis and the role of diet in managing it.
The two main types of arthritis have different causes. Osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing down of cartilage inside the joints, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joint tissues. But both types of arthritis can lead to inflammation.
Painful joints may be the most common sign of arthritis, but it isn’t the only indicator of this common disease. Here are some other joint symptoms to keep an eye out for:
If you notice these changes, it’s important to reach out for professional help right away. Dr. Leach is here to assist with comprehensive, compassionate diagnostic services and state-of-the-art treatment options.
The choices you make each day can have a big impact on your arthritis symptoms. Researchers know that certain foods create high levels of inflammation. If your diet is high in these inflammatory foods, you may have more pronounced arthritis symptoms.
It’s best to avoid unhealthy fats, like trans fats as well as omega-6 fatty acids found in processed oils such as corn and soybean oil, as these can contribute to inflammation. Fried foods and highly processed foods are among the most common sources of inflammatory fats, so limiting these items can go a long way toward improving your joint health.
Here are some other foods that can worsen your arthritis symptoms:
Some people with arthritis have trouble with nightshades, including potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, because of a plant chemical they contain. Other people can eat these vegetables with no problems, so try them and see how you feel.
In general, the best thing you can do to create anti-inflammatory benefits is to cook most of your meals at home using whole foods:
Use olive oil for cooking and as a base for dips and salad dressing. Replace one or more dinners each week with a vegetarian option. When you get the urge for a sweet treat, look for recipes that feature fruit instead of white sugar.
The manner in which you prepare your food also matters. Air frying is a wonderful way to replicate the crunchy textures of deep frying, with only a fraction of the oil. Roasting vegetables completely transforms their flavors.
It doesn’t take long for your body and brain to adjust to a healthier diet. Before long you’ll find yourself craving kale, beans, and sweet potatoes, some healthy anti-inflammatory food choices.
If you’re concerned about joint pain or other arthritis symptoms, or you’re ready to transform your nutrition to better align with your joint health, schedule a visit with Dr. Kadie Leach at your earliest convenience. Call the office to check appointment availability, or request an appointment online in just moments.
