QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing The Self Management of Arthritis
With Graeme Rossiter, Elizabeth Scrivener and Sally Ranford

Question:
I would like to ask if there are any foods to be avoided with osteoarthritis, such as tomatoes or cheese and any food that would be beneficial, thank you

Answer:
Elizabeth - There have not been any randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials which show that any particular foods have proven beneficial effect on osteoarthritis. Similarly, there are no such trials on osteoarthritis patients which show that any food product should be avoided.

Except for gout, most foods will not have a direct effect on your arthritis, or on the pain and stiffness you experience.

Some smaller scientific studies have been conducted on omega 3 oils and their effects on osteoarthritis. These studies have shown that the type of fats in your diet may influence the amount of inflammation you have.

Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as fish and seafood, linseeds and linseed oil, canola oil, wheat germ, walnuts and pecans are beneficial.

There have also been some other small studies (not randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled) that have shown that antioxidants may also slow progression of symptoms and disability in OA patients whose diets provide more vitamins C and D.

As you know, osteoarthritis is such a widespread condition with diverse and adverse health effects that rumours abound about anecdotal remedies for the condition, however at this stage there is no real evidence to support most of these claims.

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating:

www.health.gov.au/pubhlth/strateg/foo/guide/index

shows how to eat a healthy diet by:
*choosing a variety of foods from all the food groups each day
*eating plenty of plant foods (bread, cereal, rice, pasta, legumes, vegetables and fruit)
*eating moderate amounts of animal foods (milk, yoghurt, cheese, lean meat, fish, poultry and eggs)
*eating small amounts of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated margarines and oils avoiding saturated fats like butter, dripping, copha, palm oil and
* drinking lost of water

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