Diet Plan for Osteoarthritis Patients

Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of the articular cartilages over years and the formation of new bony spurs and cysts at joint margins, known as osteophytes. This condition is usually common in elders above 40 years of age. Here, a diet which is rich in high-fiber, proteins, beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids is helpful to reduce joint inflammation and pain. A well balanced diet will support and nourish the joints and delays the chance of degeneration.

DIET CHART FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

EARLY-MORNING

Herbal tea / Cumin water/ Fenugreek water

BREAKFAST

Broken wheat porridge (Veg Dalia) / Veg Semolina (Veg upma) / Veg Idli / Veg Vermicelli (Sewian) / Veg poha (Rice flakes) / Stuffed Chapatti / Chapatti with veg or Dal / Brown Bread Sandwich / Curd + 2 Eggs (only white part)

MID-MORNING

Fruit / Coconut water/ Sprouts / Salad

LUNCH

Chapatti / Boiled rice / Veg Rice / Vegetable + Dal + Curd + Salad

EVENING

Green tea / Rice flakes snack / Sprouts / Soup (Home-made) / Herbal tea

DINNER

Chapatti / Vegetable + Dal / Salad (without salt)

DIET INSTRUCTIONS

CEREALS

Cereals to be consumed

Whole wheat flour, Oatmeal, Whole grain bread, Whole grains cereals, Porridge, Brown rice

Cereals to be avoided

White breads, White refined flour and its products, White rice, White pasta, Sweet biscuit, Noodle, Pasta, Macaroni, and Maggie

FRUITS

Fruits to be consumed

All fruits except citrus fruits, Avocadoes, Dates, Guava, Kiwi, Papaya, Dried figs, Banana

Fruits to be avoided

All canned and packaged fruits, Fruits with seeds, Pineapple, Citrus fruits

VEGETABLES

Vegetables to be consumed

Cabbage, Beans, Turnip, Peas, Garlic, Spinach, (in less quantity) Cauliflower and Broccoli, Brussels sprout, Peppermint leaves, Asparagus, Sweet potatoes, Lettuce

Vegetables to be avoided

Tomato, Potatoes, Pepper, Eggplant, Crisp and Cheese filled snacks, Coconut, Frozen vegetables

PULSES

Pulses to be consumed

Green gram, Bengal gram, Horse gram, Moong lentil, Orange lentils, Split pigeon peas, Split chickpeas

Pulses to be avoided

Dried and frozen pulses, All Whole pulses

DAIRY PRODUCTS

Dairy Products to be consumed

Buttermilk, Yogurt, Tofu, Soya milk (occasionally)

Dairy Products to be avoided

Whole milk and Cream, Cottage cheese, Butter, Full-fat yogurt, Cream cheese, Condensed milk

SPICES

Spices to be consumed

Fennel, Sesame seeds, Cumin, Carmon, Thyme, Coriander, Turmeric, Ginger, Fenugreek

Spices to be avoided

Excessive salt, Chilies  

DRINKS

Drinks to be consumed

Clear vegetable soup, Soya milk, Green tea, Herbal tea, homemade juice, Fenugreek water, Cumin water

Drinks to be avoided

Carbonated beverages like Coke, Limca, Pepsi, Fanta etc., Canned soup, Packaged soup and Canned fruit juices, Caffeinated drinks, Alcohol, Tea or Coffee

FLESH FOODS

Flesh Foods to be consumed

Egg white portion, Lean meat, Skinless chicken, Fish like Salmon, Shrimp and Cod

Flesh Foods to be avoided

Fried or Processed meats, Prawns, Lobster, Crab, Lean beef, Pork, Lamb, Ham, Turkey, Egg yolk, Sausages, Mutton, Salami, Bacon, Duck, Goose, Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Meat pies, Visible fat on meat, Red meat, Organ part, Liver, Kidney and Chest

SEEDS AND DRY FRUITS

Dry Fruits to be consumed

Pumpkin seed, Sunflower seed, Flaxseeds, Almond

Dry Fruits to be avoided

Cashew nuts, Pistachio, Peanuts, Raisins, Prunes, Figs, Dried apricot

OILS

Oils to be consumed

Cow ghee, Groundnut oil, Mustard oil, Olive oil, Canola oil, Rice bran oil

Oils to be avoided

Unsaturated fats, Cream, Palm oil, Coconut oil, Butter, Hydrogenated oil 

OTHER FOODS

Other Foods to be consumed

Homemade only, Jaggery, Peanut butter

Other Foods to be avoided

All bakery products or processed, Pastry, Puddings, Cakes, Biscuits, Sauces, Fruit jellies, Jams, Mayonnaise, Ice-cream, Cream soups, Dark chocolate, Butter scotch, Coconut bar, Chutneys, Pickles, Junk food, Deep fried foods, Too salty and Spicy foods, Grilled  food, Frozen food

LIFESTYLE AND DIETARY TIPS

• Walk for at least 30-45 min is recommended.
• Whole fruit should be preferred to fruit juices.
• Skipping of meals should be avoided, especially the breakfast
• 6 -Soaked Almond + 2 figs per day
• Water intake should be increased at least 8-10 glass regularly
• Herbal Tea- Boil ½ tsp each of fennel, coriander, cumin in cups of water till it’s reduced to 2 cups.
• Hot and Cold compresses to relieve pain.
• Regular exercise, Sleep well and stay positive