Diet Plan for Osteoarthritis Patients
Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilages over years and the formation of new bony spurs and cysts at joint margins, known as osteophytes. This condition is usually common in elders above 40 years of age. Here, a diet which is rich in high-fiber, proteins, beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids is helpful to reduce joint inflammation and pain. A well balanced diet will support and nourish the joints and delays the chance of degeneration.
DIET CHART FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
EARLY-MORNING
Herbal tea / Cumin water/ Fenugreek water
BREAKFAST
Broken wheat porridge (Veg Dalia) / Veg Semolina (Veg upma) / Veg Idli / Veg Vermicelli (Sewian) / Veg poha (Rice flakes) / Stuffed Chapatti / Chapatti with veg or Dal / Brown Bread Sandwich / Curd + 2 Eggs (only white part)
MID-MORNING
Fruit / Coconut water/ Sprouts / Salad
LUNCH
Chapatti / Boiled rice / Veg Rice / Vegetable + Dal + Curd + Salad
EVENING
Green tea / Rice flakes snack / Sprouts / Soup (Home-made) / Herbal tea
DINNER
Chapatti / Vegetable + Dal / Salad (without salt)
DIET INSTRUCTIONS
CEREALS
Cereals to be consumed
Whole wheat flour, Oatmeal, Whole grain bread, Whole grains cereals, Porridge, Brown rice
Cereals to be avoided
White breads, White refined flour and its products, White rice, White pasta, Sweet biscuit, Noodle, Pasta, Macaroni, and Maggie
FRUITS
Fruits to be consumed
All fruits except citrus fruits, Avocadoes, Dates, Guava, Kiwi, Papaya, Dried figs, Banana
Fruits to be avoided
All canned and packaged fruits, Fruits with seeds, Pineapple, Citrus fruits
VEGETABLES
Vegetables to be consumed
Cabbage, Beans, Turnip, Peas, Garlic, Spinach, (in less quantity) Cauliflower and Broccoli, Brussels sprout, Peppermint leaves, Asparagus, Sweet potatoes, Lettuce
Vegetables to be avoided
Tomato, Potatoes, Pepper, Eggplant, Crisp and Cheese filled snacks, Coconut, Frozen vegetables
PULSES
Pulses to be consumed
Green gram, Bengal gram, Horse gram, Moong lentil, Orange lentils, Split pigeon peas, Split chickpeas
Pulses to be avoided
Dried and frozen pulses, All Whole pulses
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Dairy Products to be consumed
Buttermilk, Yogurt, Tofu, Soya milk (occasionally)
Dairy Products to be avoided
Whole milk and Cream, Cottage cheese, Butter, Full-fat yogurt, Cream cheese, Condensed milk
SPICES
Spices to be consumed
Fennel, Sesame seeds, Cumin, Carmon, Thyme, Coriander, Turmeric, Ginger, Fenugreek
Spices to be avoided
Excessive salt, Chilies
DRINKS
Drinks to be consumed
Clear vegetable soup, Soya milk, Green tea, Herbal tea, homemade juice, Fenugreek water, Cumin water
Drinks to be avoided
Carbonated beverages like Coke, Limca, Pepsi, Fanta etc., Canned soup, Packaged soup and Canned fruit juices, Caffeinated drinks, Alcohol, Tea or Coffee
FLESH FOODS
Flesh Foods to be consumed
Egg white portion, Lean meat, Skinless chicken, Fish like Salmon, Shrimp and Cod
Flesh Foods to be avoided
Fried or Processed meats, Prawns, Lobster, Crab, Lean beef, Pork, Lamb, Ham, Turkey, Egg yolk, Sausages, Mutton, Salami, Bacon, Duck, Goose, Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Meat pies, Visible fat on meat, Red meat, Organ part, Liver, Kidney and Chest
SEEDS AND DRY FRUITS
Dry Fruits to be consumed
Pumpkin seed, Sunflower seed, Flaxseeds, Almond
Dry Fruits to be avoided
Cashew nuts, Pistachio, Peanuts, Raisins, Prunes, Figs, Dried apricot
OILS
Oils to be consumed
Cow ghee, Groundnut oil, Mustard oil, Olive oil, Canola oil, Rice bran oil
Oils to be avoided
Unsaturated fats, Cream, Palm oil, Coconut oil, Butter, Hydrogenated oil
OTHER FOODS
Other Foods to be consumed
Homemade only, Jaggery, Peanut butter
Other Foods to be avoided
All bakery products or processed, Pastry, Puddings, Cakes, Biscuits, Sauces, Fruit jellies, Jams, Mayonnaise, Ice-cream, Cream soups, Dark chocolate, Butter scotch, Coconut bar, Chutneys, Pickles, Junk food, Deep fried foods, Too salty and Spicy foods, Grilled food, Frozen food
LIFESTYLE AND DIETARY TIPS
- Walk for at least 30-45 min is recommended.
- Whole fruit should be preferred to fruit juices.
- Skipping of meals should be avoided, especially the breakfast
- 6 -Soaked Almond + 2 figs per day
- Water intake should be increased at least 8-10 glass regularly
- Herbal Tea– Boil ½ tsp each of fennel, coriander, cumin in cups of water till it’s reduced to 2 cups.
- Hot and Cold compresses to relieve pain.
- Regular exercise, Sleep well and stay positive
