Still unknown the role of diet in the treatment, prevention or the cause of most types of arthritis, although researchers are studying with great interest the role that diet may play in arthritis.
Diet affects certain types of arthritis and related diseases in one or more of the following ways:
* Being overweight can be a cause of osteoarthritis.
* Eating a diet low in calcium or high in alcohol may increase the risk of osteoporosis.
* Overweight and excessive consumption of alcohol and foods with a high content of purines can raise uric acid in the body and increase the likelihood of an attack of gout.
* The intake of foods rich in protein such as sweetbreads (organ meats) and meats with high levels of purine can aggravate gout.
* There are some scientific reasons to believe that diet can affect some types of arthritis. For example:
or Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation.
or Diets with higher content of vitamins D and C may limit the progression of osteoarthritis.
or In a small number of people, food allergies can trigger symptoms of arthritis.
* However, there is insufficient evidence yet to understand whether people with arthritis should take special diets.
The researchers recommend that people with arthritis follow the guidelines for healthy diet. These recommendations include:
* Eat a variety of foods
* Maintain a healthy weight
* Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and cereals
* Reduce consumption of fat, cholesterol, alcohol and salt
* If you decide to try a change in diet, continue your regular treatment program and talk to your doctor.
Other Resources
* Talk to your doctor or nutritionist.
* Brochures and information on specific forms of arthritis so that others can understand the disease
The medical world describes the 
