Arthritis
 
You may not be aware that changing your eating habits can help to relieve your arthritis. Small adjustments can make a real difference and can significantly reduce pain caused by inflammation.  
 
If you are overweight, it is especially important to consider making some changes to the way you eat. You will find that losing just a few pounds can take a lot of pressure off your joints.  
 
Here are a few simple ways to adapt what you eat and help reduce the symptoms of arthritis:  
 

• Switch to healthy fats and oils. Replacing the unhealthy saturated fats found in fast foods and deep-fried foods with the healthy omega-3 fats found in cold-water fish and linseed and olive oils can help you lose weight and reduce inflammation.  
   
  
• Cut down on your 'trigger' foods. Some foods such as beef, coffee, corn, wheat, tomatoes, citrus fruits and dairy products have been found to contribute to arthritis. It may be worth avoiding any of these which affect you. 
   
  
• Get your vitamins and minerals. Certain supplements have been shown to relieve arthritis, including vitamins A, B3, C, E, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper and boron. Speak to your pharmacist or read the information leaflet in the packet to find out the right dosages. This is especially important when taking vitamin A, as too much can lead to fractures and, in some cases, liver failure. 
   
  
• Improve your bone density and avoid fractures. Ensure you get enough vitamin C in what you eat. Oranges, grapefruits and lemons are all good sources, but if citrus is a trigger for you, kiwi fruit, berries, broccoli and cauliflower are also good sources of vitamin C.  
   
  
• Keep it simple. Eating balanced meals made with whole, unprocessed foods can help you get the nutrients and energy you need.