Sarah Curl, Jodi Fitzgerald, Danielle Nelson, and Jeanette Andrade2
Arthritis is the swelling or tenderness of the joints. One in four adults within the United States have been diagnosed with some type of arthritis: degenerative, such as osteoarthritis; inflammatory, such as rheumatoid; infectious; or metabolic (Barbour et al. 2017; CDC 2020). Arthritis can happen because of genetics and aging, but other factors, such as diet and lifestyle, may contribute to arthritis. This publication describes the modifiable factors contributing to arthritis and tips to reduce risk for arthritis.
The more body weight you carry, the higher your risk is for developing osteoarthritis. Extra body weight puts more pressure on your joints. This causes arthritis to develop and makes the pain of arthritis worse. Losing weight reduces your risk for arthritis and improves existing arthritis pain and function (Vincent et al. 2012).
Consuming low amounts of fruits and vegetables may increase your risk for arthritis. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which reduce inflammation that occurs dependent on the arthritis type (Antinoro 2017). Additionally, methods of processing (e.g., frying, trans-fat processing, increased sugar in low-fat foods) can induce an inflammatory response in the body and potentially exacerbate an arthritis-related inflammatory condition (Weaver et al. 2014).
Staying active is important when you have arthritis. Diet change and exercise alone both improve arthritis pain and physical function, but the combination of both leads to large reductions in pain and improvement in quality of life (Messier et al. 2013).
Set a goal each week to make small changes towards health, such as:
Choose at least 1 piece of fruit daily for a week.
Cook at least 1 meal prepared with beans, vegetables, and whole grains this week.
Take a 15-minute walk after work this week.
These foods are:
High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help reduce swelling or tenderness in joints.
The food you eat is one of the most important factors affecting your arthritis, but exercise is also important to your joint health.
Be as active as your health allows. Work towards 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week.
Start low and go slow. Start with low-impact aerobic activities like walking, biking, swimming, or water aerobics.
Muscle strengthening exercises include lifting weights, working with a resistance band, and yoga. Aim to do strengthening exercises that target all muscle groups at least 2 days per week.
Take some time for yourself every day, even if just for 10 minutes!
Sleep for at least 7 hours per day.
If you consume alcohol, have 1 drink or less per day for women and 2 drinks or less per day for men.
Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products.
Reduce stress as much as you can.
Use the suggested recipes in this publication for ideas and inspiration for healthy eating.
Start making changes with a friend or family member! It can be helpful to have support.
Ask for help from a health professional such as a registered dietitian to help make those positive changes.
In summary, there are 4 types of arthritis—degenerative, inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic. Excessive weight increases one’s risk for osteoarthritis due to the pressure on joints. Additionally, consuming more processed products and less fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contributes to an arthritis-related inflammatory response. Thus, eating healthier and being physically active for most days of the week will help one lose weight to reduce their risk for arthritis.
Antinoro, L. “Can Diet Improve Arthritis Symptoms?” Harvard Health Publishing. 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/can-diet-improve-arthritis-symptoms. [Accessed 6 June 2020].
Barbour, K. E., C. G. Helmick, M. A. Boring, and T. J. Brady. 2017. “Vital Signs: Prevalence of Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation — United States, 2013–2015.” Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 66:246–253.
CDC. 2020. “Arthritis Types | CDC.” https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/types.html [Accessed 21 May 2020].
Messier, S. P., S. L. Mihalko, C. Legault et al. 2013. “Effects of Intensive Diet and Exercise on Knee Joint Loads, Inflammation, and Clinical Outcomes Among Overweight and Obese Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: The IDEA Randomized Clinical Trial.” JAMA 310 (12): 1263–1273.
Navarro, S. L., E. D. Kantor, X. Song et al. 2016. “Factors Associated with Multiple Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 25 (3): 521–531.
Vincent, H. K., K. Heywood, J. Connelly, and R. W. Hurley. 2012. “Obesity and Weight Loss in the Treatment and Prevention of Osteoarthritis.” PM R. 4 (5).
Weaver, C. M., J. Dwyer, V. L. Fulgoni 3rd, et al. 2014. “Processed Foods: Contributions to Nutrition.” Am J Clin Nutr. 99 (6): 1525–1542. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.089284
Recipe Ideas for Lunch/Dinner
Carrot, Tomato, and Spinach Quinoa Pilaf with Ground Turkey Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 5 Ingredients
Preparation
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir turkey in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir black beans in with the turkey; cook and stir until the beans are hot, 2 to 3 minutes; add the quinoa mixture, stir, and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes more. |
Whole Wheat Rotini Pasta Salad Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 Ingredients
Preparation
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Recipe Ideas—Snack and Dessert
Sweet Potato Hummus Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45–60 minutes Servings: 20 Ingredients
Preparation
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Healthy Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Prep time: 5–10 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Servings: 2 Ingredients • 2 frozen bananas, chopped • 1 tbsp milk • 1 tbsp peanut butter • ½ ounce dark chocolate, chopped Preparation
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Use this handy grocery list for the above recipes
Fresh/Frozen Foods
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Bottled/Canned/Dry Goods
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From Your Pantry
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Find more recipes at these websites: Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/ MyPlate Recipe Guides https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/budget/budget-recipes |
This document is FSHN20-39, one of a series of the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date October 2020. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.
Sarah Curl, graduate student, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department; Jodi Fitzgerald, MD; Danielle Nelson, MD, MPH, assistant professor and assistant medical director, University of Florida Department of Community Health and Family Medicine; and Jeanette Andrade, assistant professor and director, MS-DI program, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county's UF/IFAS Extension office.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.