May 14, 2009 8:00 pm US/Eastern
Go! New York Report: Dieting And Arthritis
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
What if you could go on a diet – not to lose weight, but to help you ease the pain of arthritis and other ailments?
One physician says he has the answer in this Go! New York Report.
For the nearly 40 million Americans suffering with arthritis, the joint stiffness, swelling, and pain may begin to feel like a daily part of life.
Many turn to medications for relief, but the drugs can have side effects. But now, some easy dietary changes are proving to be a promising remedy.
Susan Baker suffers from arthritis in both knees.
"I couldn't go to sleep at night without taking two Advil and Vicodin – my knees just ached," Baker says.
She also had urinary problems that brought her to urologist Dr. Milton Krisiloff. He put her on an anti-inflammatory diet developed to treat urinary problems, and he says patients began reporting additional benefits.
"They'd come back and say, 'not only are my urinary symptoms better, but my arthritis has gotten better,'" Dr. Krisiloff says.
The diet is not meant to lose weight, but instead its goal is to eliminate chronic inflammation and to prevent diseases including enlarged prostate, arthritis, and pain from acid reflux.
According to Dr. Krisiloff, there are three categories to avoid on the diet.
The first item to stay away from is alcohol, including beer, wine and hard alcohol.
It's also important to avoid caffeine, as found in coffee, tea, caffeinated soda, and chocolate.
A third food to steer clear of is spicy food, like chili, curry, and hot mustard.
Garlic, black pepper, and onions, however, are fine.
The diet has not been tested in a formal research setting, but it's doubtful that there are any negative side effects or risks.
Baker is convinced that the regimen made the difference for her, and she's thrilled to require no medication for her arthritis.
Certain forms of arthritis cause fever, gland swelling, and problems with organs including the lungs, heart, and kidneys. In these cases, medications are critical to slowing the progression of the illness.
Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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