Patient/caregiver was educated on foods to be included on diet by individuals with osteoarthritis as follows:
Limit added sugars:
- Individuals with arthritis should scan through the food labels closely, to avoid picking items listed rich in added sugars.
- Picking low-carb versions and diet versions of favorite foods and minimizing consumption of desserts, such as, cookies, candies, and ice cream, can be of significant help in preventing exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with arthritis.
Fresh meats:
- Consumption of highly processed, grilled, and baked meat & meat products, such as, hotdogs, bologna, and sausage, leads to generation of some chemicals known to contribute to or aggravate inflammation and joint pains.
- Choosing fresh meat cooked normally over highly processed, grilled, and baked meat & meat products can contribute towards preventing exacerbation of arthritis.
White and lean meat:
- Consumption of red meat is known to aggravate inflammation and joint pains in individuals with history. Choosing white & lean meat of chicken, turkey, and salmon, can contribute towards preventing exacerbation of arthritis.
Vegetables:
- Cruciferous vegetables, such as, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, collard greens, cabbage, and cauliflower are believed to control/regulate inflammation.
- Also, red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and lentils are known to be rich in antioxidants, which destroy the chemicals causing the inflammation.
- Individuals with history of arthritis must increase consumption of these vegetables on their diet, to help prevent exacerbation of arthritis.
