OMEGA-3S AND ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a painful disease and what you eat certainly cannot cure arthritis but it can make you feel better or worse! Leslie Bonci, R.D., the director of Sports Nutrition in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburg stated, "Food isn't a panacia, but some can make your joints healthier." She gives the following as her #1 food suggestion to arthritis sufferers to make their lives easier:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and/or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Other high omega-3 foods include walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed, canola oil, and pumpkin seeds. Why these foods? Omega-3s decrease the production of chemicals that spread inflammation. They also inhibit enzymes that trigger inflammation." Another benefit of the fatty fish is that they help prevent swelling and soreness, according to Ms. Bonci.

If you have arthritis and you aren't currently including some of these food in your diet on a regular basis, you should start to do so. After all, what arthritis sufferer wouldn't love to feel better and perhaps be able to cut back on meds.

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