Is there a relationship between diet and arthritis?

As yet, there is no scientific evidence to support a clear link between diet and arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, diet may increase your chances of developing certain kinds of arthritis. An allergic reaction to certain foods may predispose to an arthritic response. Diet may also change the way the body’s immune system reacts to certain kinds of arthritis, or inflammations. At this point, the results are still experimental and no specific foods have been cited (including nightshade vegetables.) Current recommendations are to follow the Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans:

• Eat a variety of foods
• Maintain ideal weight—obesity can certainly accelerate or exacerbate existing arthritis.
• Avoid too much fat and cholesterol, sugar, and sodium
• Eat foods with adequate starch and fiber
• Drink alcohol in moderation

Your best line of defense to prevent stress and fatigue is a well balanced diet that supports a healthy weight, and supplies nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats, fluid, vitamins and minerals) from all of the food groups. A balanced diet supports the immune system as well.

Is there a relationship between diet and exercise?

Unquestionably, YES. Consider your body as a “calorie-burning machine” that needs to be fueled properly for peak performance. Truthfully, this is the case for athletes and non-athletes alike. What you do or do not eat will affect your ability to run, swim, bike, walk, and lift weights.

Do you need supplements or protein pills? No. Not if your diet is carefully balanced to meet your specific nutrieient needs. How about carbohydrate loading? The latest research suggests that a well-trained athlete should have a high carbohydrate diet spaced out throughout the day to replenish muscle glycogen, but actual carbohydrate loading may not be necessary. This will also be ineffective if you are not well-trained. In general guidelines for the sports-minded include:

1. Variety for the competitive edge…eat from the Food Guide Pyramid
2. Maintain a healthy weight… to be your best performing your sport.
3. High carbohydrate diets go the distance… high carbohydrate foods support muscles when they are in need of an energy souce.
4. Low fat diets are in…high fat diets replace the quick fuel supplied by carbohydrates and can also interfere with performance before an event. Keep fat under 30% of total caloric intake.
5. Protein builds a good defense…however, protein needs are generally met 100-200% by a standard diet.
6. Fluids and electrolytes keep muscles churning…Drink liberal amounts of water, juices, milk and soups to keep yourself well-hydrated for fitness. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages because they can promote dehydration. Sports drinks? They do have their place in long-distance events or competitions such as swimming, biking, and hockey, but the best source of fluid is WATER.

Can’t I balance my diet myself?

For the most part, yes. Using the Food Guide Pyramid as a tool to make wise food choices, you can select a variety of foods that meet general nutrition needs. However, special circumstances require the guidance of a nutrition professional.

What would be considered special circumstances?

Special circumstances include recovery from surgery, pregnancy, osteoporosis, a predisposition to osteoporosis, diabetes, or heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and overweight), elimination of certain food groups or a special restricted diet as recommended by your physician.