Help patients manage arthritis symptoms with diet

In the U.S, approximately 21.2% of all adults deal with pain from arthritis. Some evidence also suggests that factors within your patients’ control could help prevent arthritis flare-ups and help manage arthritis symptoms.

One key element you can discuss with patients to manage their arthritis symptoms is diet. While it’s true that it’s impossible to eliminate this condition through diet alone, scientific research does suggest that specific dietary restrictions could help with arthritis pain relief and management.  

This article explores the scientific reasons some dietary restrictions and practices could help patients manage arthritis symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.  

Dietary considerations to manage arthritis symptoms

In the last few years, an increasing number of studies have suggested that diet can play a serious role in the progression and management of arthritis. The main element of consideration is inflammation.  

One of the recurring challenges of living with arthritis is managing chronic inflammation that causes joint pain.  

Research suggests that consuming anti-inflammatory foods and focusing a diet around these foods (while avoiding inflammation-causing food) can help patients reduce chronic inflammation and manage arthritic symptoms as a result.  

For example, one study states, “research suggests that a low-inflammatory diet may alleviate arthritic symptoms.”  

The same study shares examples of what a low-inflammatory diet might look like: 

• Foods high in antioxidants, polyphenols and carotenoids  
• Omega-3 fatty acids (long chain) 
• Foods low on the glycemic index  
• Extra virgin olive oil as the main source of fat  
• Reduction of refined carbohydrates  
• Elimination of fast foods 
• Avoidance of foods high in trans and saturated fats  
• Minimization of alcoholic and sugary beverages  
• Avoidance of processed meats  

Important notes for specific dietary considerations to manage arthritis symptoms

Omega-3 fatty acids  

One study suggests that omega-3s play “an important role in the regulation of inflammation” because they are precursors of potent lipid mediators called eicosanoids. The same study suggests that, notably, the consumption of omega-3 through fatty fish or fish oil supplements could reduce pain caused by arthritis and other chronic diseases that involve inflammatory processes.  

Saturated and trans fats  

Some studies suggest a correlation or link between chronic inflammation and saturated fats from red meats, butter, poultry skin and full-fat dairy foods. One published study even directly states, “evidence suggests that saturated fatty acids induce inflammation.” Another states, “saturated fatty acids produce an inflammatory response predominantly through the activation of TLR4 signaling in the hypothalamus.”  

Vitamin D  

Some research suggests low blood levels of vitamin D correlate with risks of osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. One study states, “Vitamin D is believed to have an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action, and its deficiency has been linked with several autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA).”   

However, many studies don’t only suggest pain management via an anti-inflammatory diet; rather, delays in arthritic pain and symptoms as well.  

According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, early manifestations of arthritis “could be potentially delayed with dietary interventions, based on the beneficial effect of vegetarian or vegan diets, and poly-unsaturated fatty acid/oleic acid.” 

Arthritis and inflammation: How to discuss with your patients

When discussing how to manage arthritis symptoms, inflammation and dietary adjustments, it’s important to communicate clearly that dietary changes won’t cure arthritis.  

The ultimate goal of diet management is to prevent or relieve pain caused by arthritis.  

Discussing management and prevention begins with fully breaking down the idea of inflammation. The goal is not to eliminate inflammation entirely; rather, to reduce it and manage arthritis symptoms. 

 Also encourage your patients to explore a variety of foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as fish, turmeric, yogurt, green tea, cruciferous vegetables, ginger and more. 

Final thoughts

For relevant news, research and scientific studies pertaining to chiropractic health and practice management, check out Chiropractic Economics magazine.