I’ve spent a lot of time researching ways to reduce arthritis inflammation online. Of course, applying heat or ice to painful joints can bring relief. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling can decrease your pain and stiffness, improve your range of motion, strengthen your muscles, and increase your endurance.
If you suffer from celiac disease, your doctor may prescribe a gluten-free diet to relieve your symptoms. Celiac disease, like many types of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease.
Your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to symptoms such as stomach pains, fatigue, diarrhea, or mood swings.
Now, some people with arthritis pain are achieving good results with a gluten-free diet. There is no miracle diet for arthritis, but eating a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and beans, may reduce inflammation.
Here are some foods to avoid and some alternatives,
Bread
Who doesn’t love a slice of bread, toasted or not? I sure do. You will have to stop eating certain breads — mainly white, marble, rye, and wheat bread.
You have the option to eat gluten-free bread, which is available in various grocery stores. It may take some getting used to, but if you like sandwiches or toast, you won’t have to give up bread. That is very important to me.
Most pizza parlors offer a gluten-free crust, so it is worth trying to see if you like it. There is usually an extra charge, but so what? If you can enjoy your favorite pizza, it is a win-win situation.
Breakfast Cereal
Man, do I love my breakfast cereal. My hubby is a meat, egg, and toast guy, but I will eat breakfast cereal any day of the week, and twice on Sunday.
You need to read the nutrition label to determine if your favorite cereal contains gluten. Avoid ingredients such as wheat, barley, rice, or malt. Try these favorite breakfast cereals instead:
Pasta
I was raised on spaghetti once a week, and I don’t want to give that up. Traditional spaghetti, shells, and macaroni may contain gluten. Gluten-free pasta is now available and may be made from corn, quinoa, or rice.
This is your chance to try something new, so buy some gluten-free pasta and mix it with your favorite sauces. Top each serving with a healthy sprinkle of parmesan, and see how you like it.
Breaded Foods
If you are a meat lover, you can enjoy plain, fresh cuts of meat, including beef, poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.), rabbit, lamb, and fish/seafood.
Breaded foods like fried chicken, pork chops, onion rings, and chicken-fried steak are always favorites, with many gluten-free breading options available. It may not taste as good as regular breading, but you never know, you might like it better.
For a tasty fish dish, gluten-free bread crumbs and hazelnuts provide a crunchy texture without sacrificing flavor.
Crushed pork rinds make a delicious breading for chicken tenders. If you have leftovers, consider sprinkling them on a salad or eating them straight from the bag.
Desserts
If desserts are your weakness, there are many gluten-free options. A gluten-free cake with white or chocolate frosting is a winner in my book. I prefer white, but the chocolate is also delicious.
I love a piece of candy just about any time of day or night. Jelly Beans, Edinburg Caramels, and Maple Kisses satisfy your sweet tooth without worrying about gluten.
Some brands of gelatin and puddings are gluten-free, and they’re something you don’t have to spend all day cooking.
Final Thoughts
Try more gluten-free foods and see which ones you like. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian. She can show you how to enjoy your favorites without sacrificing flavor.
