$Unique_ID{BRK01340}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are There Special Diets That Can Cure Arthritis?}
$Subject{arthritis diet musculoskeletal connective tissue tissues joint diets
weight bearing joints gouty uric acid dietary osteoarthritis rheumatoid ra
arthritic nutrition nutritions food foods tissues gout acids}
$Volume{M-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are There Special Diets That Can Cure Arthritis?


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QUESTION:  I am sure that I have read about special diets that can cure
arthritis, and I certainly could use that type of help.  I try to keep up with
my medications, but it doesn't always seem to work.  If only I could find out
what foods to eat, and perhaps what foods not to eat, I am sure I would do
much better.  Could you please provide me with the details of such a diet.  I
would be very thankful.

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ANSWER:  You often read about claims that special diets will "cure" arthritis.
There is no such thing as a special arthritis diet, and arthritis is not
caused by having too many or too few nutrients in your diet.  I wish that
there was such a miracle diet, for most certainly I would share it with you.
However, if you are overweight, it is a good idea to slim down, and a weight
control or calorie restricted diet can be useful in such a case.  Excess
pounds put extra stress on your weight-bearing joints.  This makes getting
about more painful, and such inactivity may speed the progress of the disease.
A regular activity program, even if it is just an afternoon walk, will help
you maintain your mobility, and keep your joints in the best working condition
you can.  The one form of arthritis where what you eat might make a difference
is gout.  Many doctors recommend that patients with gout avoid excessive
amounts of alcohol and fatty foods.  They also discourage eating foods such as
liver, kidney and caviar:  these foods promote the formation of uric acid, the
chemical that accumulates in gouty joints.  But even in gout, proper medical
treatment with drugs is more important than diet.  Taking your medications on
a regular basis helps keep you in control of discomfort and pain.  It may not
seem like they work all the time, but I wonder how bad it might be if you
suddenly stopped all your medications at once.  Probably a lot worse than you
might imagine.  You probably are doing pretty well over all, so just keep your
spirits up, your level of activity high, and when they do invent a medically
sound diet that can really help, you can be sure I will put it right here in
this column.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.