幫助抗擊關節炎的健康食物

Arthritis is a common disease that causes great suffering for patients. Although there is currently no cure for arthritis, a growing body of research shows that adjusting diet can effectively alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. According to research data from the German Arthritis Association, up to 401 TP4T arthritis patients have dietary imbalances, highlighting the importance of diet in arthritis treatment.

The link between arthritis and diet
The occurrence of arthritis is closely related to a deficiency of arachidonic acid in the body. Arachidonic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid, mainly found in animal-based foods. A deficiency of arachidonic acid can lead to…joint redness and swellingInflammation worsens arthritis symptoms.

Recommended antioxidant diet
The German Arthritis Association recommends that arthritis patients consume more foods rich in antioxidant nutrients such as protein, calcium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 Fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can effectively reduce joint pain and swelling. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include deep-sea fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Professor Olaf of the University of Munich suggests that eating fish twice a week is sufficient to meet the recommended daily intake of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Besides fish, the following foods also have anti-inflammatory properties and are worth including in the daily diet of arthritis patients.

Low-fat dairy products: Provide calcium to maintain bone health. Choosing low-fat or skim dairy products can help control weight and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Foods rich in Vitamin E and Selenium: Both Vitamin E and selenium are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage and reduce inflammation. Foods rich in Vitamin E include nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils; foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, tuna, and chicken.
Vegetable oils: Vegetable oils such as flaxseed oil, rapeseed oil, wheat germ oil, soybean oil, and walnut oil are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

Foods to avoid
Professor Olaf also advises arthritis patients to minimize their intake of red meat and avoid eggs. Red meat is rich in saturated fatty acids, which may exacerbate inflammation; while the cholesterol in egg yolks may also be detrimental to arthritis patients.

Dietary precautions
It's important to note that not all arthritis patients benefit from the same dietary recommendations. A patient's diet should be adjusted based on their individual situation and condition, ideally by consulting a nutritionist or physician to develop a personalized dietary plan. Furthermore, diet is only an adjunct to treatment and cannot replace regular medical care. Patients still need to follow their doctor's instructions and receive medication or other necessary medical interventions.

Conclusion
Adjusting one's diet is one of the effective ways to manage arthritis symptoms. Consuming low-fat foods rich in antioxidant nutrients, such as deep-sea fish, low-fat dairy products, foods rich in vitamin E and selenium, and vegetable oils, while reducing the intake of red meat and eggs, can effectively reduce arthritis pain and swelling, improving quality of life. However, dietary therapy is only an adjunct to treatment and should be combined with regular medical interventions to achieve the best therapeutic results. It is recommended that patients consult a professional physician or nutritionist before making any dietary adjustments to develop a suitable dietary plan.