Easing arthritis symptoms with food, drink and supplements

Some arthritis sufferers suspect that certain foods trigger symptoms or make them worse. They range from dairy, corn or cereals to tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant. If you suspect a food aggravates your arthritis, try eliminating it for two to three weeks.

• Despite foods that may make your arthritis worse, there are foods and vitamins that are beneficial for you:
• Omega-3 fatty acids, pecans, black beans, flaxseed, Vitamin C, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, Vitamin D, eggs, mushrooms, tuna, Vitamin E, spinach, asparagus, lobster, Vitamin B6, chicken, avocado, cantaloupe, folate, corn, peas, kidney beans, calcium, sardines, turnip greens and black-eyed peas.

• One study presented tea's arthritis-taming benefits: Older women who consumed three or more cups a day had a 60 per cent lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than other women.
• But just as remarkable was a tandem finding that women who drank four or more cups of decaffeinated coffee a day appeared to double their risk of developing RA.

• Taking a multivitamin is the obvious approach to getting enough nutrients, but you'll benefit from putting some thought into supplements.
• Here are a few points for getting the most from your daily dose:
• Take your vitamins with food. The body is designed to absorb nutrients with real victuals and it's easier to remember a multivitamin when it's a regular part of your mealtime ritual.
• Second, if you're taking a multi, don't take other specific vitamins unless your doctor recommends it.
• Also, don't forget to keep up to date. The vitamins lining store shelves don't seem perishable, but they do lose potency.
• Check expiration dates and don't buy more than you can use in the time allotted.