• Exercise at least 3 times a week and watch your weight
• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains
• Adhere to a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet
• Moderate your sugar intake, consider using sugar substitutes
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation
• Avoid tobacco use
• Take recommended supplements with your doctor’s approval
• Drink eight glasses of water per day
• Get 8 hours of sleep each night

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Since some foods can aggravate your symptoms, so you may try temporarily avoiding foods from the nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant, cherries, paprika) which can increase inflammation. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamin C, D, and E, Evening Primrose oil, and drink plenty of water.

As with other types of chronic joint paint, people with fibromyalgia can benefit from reducing their intake of refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, red meat, and highly processed foods. Eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. Lean chicken and fish will provide you with good sources of healthy protein. Include vitamin supplementation with the assistance of a qualified medical professional.

Gout is often related to an inherited abnormality in the body to process uric acid. Consuming a lot of purine-rich foods such as meats can elevate uric acid levels in the body, negatively affecting the kidneys. Avoiding a purine-rich diet is recommended for people with gout.

Purine-containing foods include:

• Beer/Alcohol
• Anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes, herringYeast
• Organ meat (liver, kidneys)
• Legumes (dried beans, peas)
• Meat extracts, gravies
• Mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower

People with gout should consider adding the following foods to their diet:

• Dark berries
• Certain fatty acids found in fish such as salmon, flax or olive oil, or nuts
• Drink plenty of water
• Maintain a healthy weight

Juvenille Arthritis and Nutrition

Children with juvenile arthritis (JA) require a proper diet more than most children. Children with JA may have poor appetites and suffer weight loss resulting in reduced growth and vitamin deficiencies.

• Supplement the diet with calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eat lean meats and poultry
• Consult with a nutritionist, dietician or pediatrician

Lupus and Nutrition

The National Institutes of Health reports that good nutrition is an important part of the overall treatment plan for lupus. A well-balanced diet provides the necessary fuel for your body to carry on its normal functions. Although there are no specific dietary guidelines for people with lupus, there are some nutrition issues that you should know about. Newly diagnosed patients have a tendency to loose weight the year prior to diagnosis whereas weight gain may be a health issue to people being treated with steroids. Finding the right balance through proper nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Osteoarthritis and Nutrition

A recent study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine shows some evidence that antioxidants like vitamin E may protect against degenerative arthritis. Cold water fish and vegetables high in antioxidants should be an important part of your nutritional plan. Niacin, zinc, primrose oil, and antioxidants may provide a therapeutic affect. You should consult your physician or healthcare provider before taking supplementations.

Psoriatic Arthritis and Nutrition

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritic joint disease associated with chronic skin scaling and changes in the fingernails. Food allergies and intolerances may play a role in psoriatic arthritis. A food elimination diet may be valuable for someone with Psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Nutrition

Patients with RA are considered to be at nutritional risk due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. People with RA may need to supplement with folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Although, food is always the preferred source for vitamins and minerals, it may be essential to use supplementation to assist in counterbalancing the outlined deficiencies and improving nutritional status for patients with RA.

Maintaining a healthy weight is imperative. Being overweight puts an added strain on weight-bearing joints, causing increased pain and lack of mobility.

Some people find success when they temporarily remove milk, dairy and wheat from their diets. These foods may cause inflammation and allergies.

Foods from the nightshade family (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant, cherries, paprika) have been shown to increase inflammation in some people, while others are not affected. You might try eliminating foods from the nightshade family for one or two weeks to see if you notice a difference in your symptoms. Keep a record or list of the foods you are eating or eliminating, and make a note of any positive or negative reactions.