Arthritis is Easier to Prevent Than Cure

• People eating diets that include a lot of candy, soda and junk food are more prone to debilitating bone diseases like arthritis
  
  According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis and can also be the most debilitating. It is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint's cartilage. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint.
  
  Bone cartilage degeneration is not just prevalent in senior citizens. The Arthritis Foundation says that nearly 300,000 children under the age of 18 suffer from some form of pediatric arthritis and rheumatologic conditions.
  
  The University of Washington has released several studies and reports that survey the correlation between arthritis and poor diet. They found persons with diets high in fat, cholesterol, sugar, starches and carbohydrates more prone to suffer from some kind of bone debilitation such as arthritis. They also found that people having little to no variety in their diet were more vulnerable to arthritis.
  
  

Break Out The Sardines!

• It may look and smell bad, but a diet that includes sardines is likely to ease joint pain and regenerate bone and cartilage loss
  
  If, however, you are starting to suffer from arthritis, or have suffered for years, there's hope and relief with proper exercise, physical therapy and the right diet.
  
  First, know that arthritis can make it hard to get variety in your diet especially when fatigue and pain can lower your appetite. Swollen joints and loss of movement may lead you to avoid foods that are very good for weak bones and cartilage, such as vegetables and lean meats, which need more energy and time to prepare and cook. Try starting the preparation for these foods a little earlier and taking breaks every half hour to rest your joints. Studies have shown that diets high in vegetables (or all-vegetable diets) work very well in bone restoration.
  
  Omega-6 fatty acids have been proven to contribute to inflammation and omega-3 fatty acids reduce it. Limit your intake of meat and chicken. Instead, substitute cold-water fish that are ripe with omega-3 such as sardines, trout and salmon.
  
  Gin-soaked raisins, while touted as fullproof by many, have absolutely no scientific backing. Also, the Alkaline Diet, which reduces the amount of Vitamin C you take in, has no scientific backing.