JointsAlive.com Ultra Arthritis Anti-Inflammation Diet

JointsAlive.com Ultra Arthritis Anti-Inflammation Diet

© 2017 JointsAlive.com by Laura Lindsey Page 1 of 31



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



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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”



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.



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



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,



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



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.



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



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



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).



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



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



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



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!

Documents

JointsAlive.com Ultra Arthritis Anti-Inflammation Diet