Know Your Diet & Exercise
Myths and Facts About diet and exercise in rheumatoid arthritis.
One of the most common concerns of patients with rheumatic diseases is about diet. Many patients ask whether they need to follow or avoid specific food items. There are several myths surrounding diet and exercise in arthritis. This article aims to clarify some of these misconceptions.
Myth 1: Sour food items like curd, buttermilk, brinjal, and citrus fruits such as lemon, oranges, and grapes will cause flare-ups of symptoms.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that cutting down on these foods can help with arthritis. However, some patients report a temporary increase in joint and muscle pain after consuming citrus fruits or curd. Our advice is simple—if you notice increased joint pain and stiffness after eating a particular food, avoid that specific item. Otherwise, maintain a normal diet.We also do not recommend eliminating these fruits and vegetables completely, as they provide essential nutrients. If curd aggravates your symptoms, opt for milk as an alternative source of calcium. Similarly, if oranges and grapes worsen your symptoms, try fruits like bananas and pomegranates instead.
Myth 2: Household chores are enough exercise
Fact: Even if you perform a lot of housework or have a physically demanding job, you still need structured exercise to improve muscle strength and overall fitness.
Benefits of exercise in Arthritis :
- Aids in Weight Loss
Excess weight puts additional strain on joints, especially weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, ankles, and feet. Since joint pressure is 6–8 times your body weight when walking or squatting, even a small weight loss can make a big difference. - Strengthens Muscles
Weak quadriceps muscles are a common cause of osteoarthritis. Strengthening exercises help stabilize the joints and reduce pain. - Reduces Joint Stiffness
Regular movement improves flexibility and reduces discomfort. - Strengthens muscle:
one of the reasons for osteoarthritis is weakness of quadriceps muscle. Exercise helps in strengthening muscles, thereby reducing joint pain.Reduces joint stiffness.
Choosing the Right Exercise:
Arthritis can make exercise painful, so it is important to find activities that are manageable and enjoyable.
- Swimming is an excellent exercise for arthritis patients, especially those with spondylitis. It removes weight from the joints while engaging multiple muscle groups.
- Cycling and Walking are low-impact exercises that do not put much strain on the joints.
- Yoga has shown promising results in reducing pain in rheumatoid arthritis, according to some studies.
By combining the right diet and exercise regimen, arthritis patients can significantly improve their quality of life. If you are looking for the best arthritis treatment in Pune, consult a specialist for personalized guidance and an effective management plan.