Osteoarthritis Diet?

[StellaEast]

I have been trying to stick to suggested diet, no potatoes or tomatoes etc but don't feel different. How long before I notice a difference?

[Cooper27 Administrator]

I would typically think you should see a difference within about a month, although sometimes it can be longer.

It sounds like your avoiding Nightshades (peppers, tomatoes, potatoes), have you been asked to avoid any other food groups? Most would start with avoiding gluten, dairy and soya.

[PippiRuns]

Perhaps it isn’t going to have an effect... This Association of UK Dieticians says:

Food Avoidance

Several popular diet books on arthritis advocate avoiding foods such as dairy products or the nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers and aubergines). Though there is some evidence that food avoidance may help rheumatoid arthritis patients, there is no evidence of benefit in OA patients.

bda.uk.com/resource/osteoar...

I would give it a couple of months.

[Fran182716 Prediabetic]

I really don’t know if avoiding any foods will help or not, would be interesting to know if there is any actual evidence to support this.OA is caused by wear and tear on individual joints - the associated inflammation comes from the structural damage to bone and cartilage and reduction of lubricating joint fluid, whereas Rheumatoid arthritis is an all-body inflammatory disease which can affect any joint. If you are overweight at all, reducing your weight would lessen the stress on your joints, and keeping your joints as mobile as possible will help to reduce further damage and stiffness. Strengthening the muscles around the joints will help to protect them and keep them stable, have you seen a physiotherapist for exercises? I think routine physio will be limited at the moment but if you have not already been given exercises you could ask for a referral when NHS services get back to something near normal. Best wishes.

[Hidden]

I couldn't bear to live without tomatoes! I try to eat healthy & avoid sugar & processed foods. I cut out wheat for ages (I love a nice wholemeal) but it made no difference so don't think cutting out food-groups makes much difference to OA unless you have a food allergy (which would increase inflammatory response).

I had surgery on hand & several cortisone injections in shoulder. Hadn't had a good sleep for years with the pain.

I started cbd oil a year ago, cut meds by 75% & cancelled last injection. Took a few attempts to find an oil that was effective & I could afford but slept the whole night within 3 days once I did. Don't know how I'd be without it now.

Also helps fibro muscle spasms.

I had several sessions with physio. Admit not good at doing exercises on my own but you can get them on the NHS website.

The Pain Management Service gave me loads of support too. Your GP can refer. I live 120 miles from clinic so had all consultations by phone.

Life's too short to cut out foods if no evidence to prove it works.

[maria40]

Had a telephone consultation with rheumatologist yesterday and he recommended turmeric and MSM for osteoarthritis. I have found that ginger - a teaspoon or so sprinkled on porridge - is effective , especially for my hands.

I haven't found any food avoidance helpful.