What can I do to ensure I'm eating a
balanced diet?
Physicians recommend seven basic steps for a balanced, healthy diet
based on The Food Guide Pyramid developed by the U.S. Departments
of Agriculture and Health and Human Services:
- Eat a variety of foods
- Maintain an appropriate weight
- Consume fat and cholesterol in moderation
- Consume sugar in moderation
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Use salt and sodium in moderation
- Drink alcohol in moderation
Why is calcium important?
A diet low in calcium and Vitamin D increases the risk of
developing osteoporosis-- a condition where bones become thin and
brittle. As calcium is one of the principal factors that helps the
body build and maintain strong bones, not getting enough calcium
may hinder bone development. Obtaining enough Vitamin D is also
important because it aids in absorbing calcium from food. Vitamin D
is found in foods such as fortified dairy products and in
sunlight.
Arthritis in my hands makes it difficult to
cook. What do you suggest?
Several things can be done to make meal preparation easier when
joints are sore or swollen. Some include:
- Take rests while preparing meals to give joints a break
- Use convenience foods once in a while to lower the strain of
cooking food
- Keep common cooking utensils in an easy-to-reach place
- Buy presliced and prechopped vegetables from the grocery store
to eliminate work involved in slicing and dicing
- Use kitchen appliances such as electric can openers and
microwave ovens to ease the burden of cooking
How will losing weight help my
arthritis?
Being overweight puts stress on joints, particularly the
weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. It has a negative
impact on mobility. Losing weight can be made fun by engaging in
physical activity that is enjoyable. Changes in diet will probably
also be necessary, but the payoff is that being at an optimal
weight makes people feel happier and stronger.
How will limiting my sodium intake help my
arthritis?
Sodium, common in processed, fast foods, causes water retention, as
do some arthritis drugs such as corticosteroids. Your doctor may
recommend a low-sodium diet for arthritis patients because water
retention may cause joints to swell, sometimes restricting
movement.
