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Osteoarthritis and acid-forming foods
About a year ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left hip. I don’t have a problem in any other joint and there is no family history. I am 47 and want to put off having a replacement operation for as long as possible. I also want to avoid taking pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Following your advice, I am now taking MSM and Collagen Plus but I understand that acid-forming foods should also be avoided as they can make the condition worse. Can you tell me which foods I should avoid and which fruit I can eat safely?
The reason you need to avoid acid foods is that they create an acidic environment, which the body responds to by releasing calcium from the bones to create more alkalinity. This then weakens the bones and the joints and is not helpful when you have already been diagnosed as suffering from osteoarthritis.
Ian Marber, a nutritionist and author, says the foods you need to avoid include animal protein - except oily fish which contains essential fatty acids and vitamin D which can both help alleviate your condition - and the saturated fats found in dairy products and red meat. For a simple rule of thumb, remember most animal products are acid-forming and more plant products are alkaline. Animal produce, he adds, also tends of contain phosphorous and nitrogen both of which will make your problem worse.
Eat lots of vegetables, especially dark green leafy ones but avoid members of the nightshade family which contain solenides, which can have a pro-inflammatory effect on susceptible individuals. These include potatoes, peppers, aubergines and courgettes.
Marber suggests you increase your intake of onions and kelp which both contain a substance called quercetin. This is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, as is bromelain - which is found in pineapples and unsalted, unroasted peanuts.
By eating more plant foods, you will automatically increase your intake of the important antioxidants that mop up the free radical by-products of metabolism which, if left unchecked, can cause further joint damage. Drinking green tea every day will boost your antioxidant status as will adding a good antioxidant to your Collagen Plus and MSM supplements.
Food sensitivities can make the problem worse so try cutting out wheat and eating oat and rye products instead to see if this makes any difference to your symptoms. You also need to be eating more wholegrains such a brown rice, together with beans and lentils. Try and favour highly coloured fruits such as peaches and plums which are rich in the potent antioxidant, vitamin A, but avoid the citrus fruits, rhubarb, gooseberries and tomatoes all of which will antagonise your condition.
*Ian Marber is co-author of The Food Doctor, published by Collins and Brown, £14.99. He can be contacted on 020 7581 5060 and charges £80 for an initial consultations.