Fact or Fiction?

We help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to eating healthily for arthritis.

FACT: There is no diet to cure arthritis.

No diet has been proven to cure arthritis so be cautious of special diets or supplements that claim to do so. The best diet for arthritis is a healthy, balanced one to maintain your general health and prevent other medical problems.

FICTION: Some foods cause arthritis.

There is very little proof that specific foods affect arthritis. While some people with arthritis report improvements after avoiding certain foods, this is usually due to individual food intolerances. If you feel that certain foods are causing problems, talk to a dietitian or your doctor. For some people with gout arthritis, certain foods may trigger attacks. These foods tend to have high levels of purine, a substance that can be made into uric acid in the body. Purine-rich foods include shellfish, such as prawns, and scallops, yeast, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, herrings, kidneys, liver, and other offal.

FICTION: Nightshades should be avoided.

There is no proof that nightshades have any effect on arthritis symptoms. However, it is possible that this diet works for some people by removing a food to which they are intolerant.

FACT: Omega-3 fats are beneficial.

Most foods have no effect on arthritis, but studies show that eating foods rich in omega-3 fats can help reduce inflammation, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. While these effects are modest compared to medicines, it is worth increasing your intake of omega-3-rich foods such as oily fish like sardines and salmon, fish oil supplements, ground linseeds and linseed oil (also called flaxseeds/ flaxseed oil), canola oil and walnuts.

FICTION: You should avoid acid-producing foods such as oranges, lemons or tomatoes.

Arthritis is not caused by ‘acidic food’. In fact, avoiding these may do more harm than good as these foods are usually rich in vitamin C, which is beneficial to the immune system.

FACT: Weight affects arthritis.

Extra body weight increases stress on many joints, particularly the knees, hips and lower back. There is also a clear link between being overweight and an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. If you are overweight, losing weight will decrease the stress on your joints, reduce pain and make it easier for you to move around.

FICTION: Dairy products cause arthritis.

There is no proof that dairy products cause arthritis. Dairy products are a rich source of calcium, an important building block for strong bones, dairy products may be extra important for people with arthritis who may have an increased risk of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you have difficulties with dairy products, talk to your doctor about other high calcium foods or calcium supplements.