Category Archives: Nutrition

infusion water

Infuse a Little Zing into Your Water

Hot summer days call for a tall glass of something cold. Your healthiest option? Water.

Not only does it have zero calories, “for those with a chronic condition like arthritis, water also helps in lubricating the joints, so you can move more easily, and helps to flush out the kidneys, so your body can work more efficiently,” says registered dietitian Lyssie Lakatos, with Nutrition Twins consulting in New York City.

How much should you drink? It varies by person,  but aim for about half your body weight in ounces. For a 140-pound individual, that would be 70 ounces (about 9 cups daily), but the water content in other beverages and foods also counts.

Not a water lover? Infuse it with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. “Infusing water will add flavor, which gives you a little more motivation to drink up,” adds registered dietitian Tammy Lakatos Shames, Lakatos’s partner in Nutrition Twins. To start, try these antioxidant-rich combos.

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protein for arthritis diet

How Much Protein Do You Really Need in Your Arthritis Diet?

From granola bars to pasta, the flood of products touting high protein might have you wondering if you should be getting more protein. For most Americans, that’s probably not the case, and the packaged products filling grocery shelves may not be the best sources, because many high-protein packaged foods are also high in added sugars and calories.

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following best by labels on food

When to Ignore and When to Abide the “Best By” Date on Your Food

Two-week old yogurt? Milk that expired four days ago? Sardines past their “sell by” date? Is a food that has outlived its expiration date OK to eat? Chances are, it is. The dates on your groceries indicate only when a product is at peak quality, not whether it’s safe to eat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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genetically modified foods

Genetically Modified Foods: What You Should Know

When you have arthritis, you know that what you put in your body has a huge impact on your health and well being. Maybe you’ve seen foods in grocery stores marked “Non GMO” or heard the debate over genetically modified organisms, and you may be wondering if you should avoid them. Opponents say foods with GMOs may be harmful, and a law was passed in 2016 requiring labels on them. Some manufacturers are voluntarily labeling their products. But experts say safety concerns are overblown.

“There is a lot of confusion and fear surrounding GMO ingredients in foods,” says registered dietitian Kim Larson, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Let’s clear up the confusion.

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fiber for your arthritis diet

Fiber Up Your Arthritis Diet

Fiber packs a big punch when it comes to your health. Research shows it helps lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss, which can ease pressure on joints. Scientists also have discovered that nutrients in dietary fiber help promote beneficial gut bacteria, which may reduce inflammation. And new research found that eating a high-fiber diet is linked with a lower risk for knee osteoarthritis and pain.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends about 30 grams of dietary fiber a day for men and 25 grams for women – much more than the 18 and 15 grams, respectively, that Americans typically consume. The good news is that adding just one fruit, vegetable or whole grain to every meal or snack can help.

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superfoods for arthritis

Nourish Your Organs with These Superfoods

You probably already know that diet and arthritis symptoms are inextricably linked. Sugary, high-fat, processed foods may trigger an inflammatory response while those that are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, such as fruits, vegetables and heart-healthy fats may help quiet symptoms.

“Each organ in the body is responsible for specific functions, but food, stress and everyday living can compromise their ability to do their jobs effectively,” explains Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, CL, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The organs of people living with arthritis are vulnerable to suboptimal functioning, not only because of the disease itself, but also because of its treatments.

The good news: You can help support each organ system – and stave off other chronic diseases – by amping up your intake of certain foods.

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