March 30th, 2021

Nutrition Tips for people with Arthritis

Good nutrition can be helpful in:

• assisting in pain and fatigue management
• reducing stress on weight bearing joints
• improving recovery after surgery
• helping to maintain strong bones

Omega 3 Oils
 
There is limited evidence that fish oils (omega 3) reduce inflammation in some people with arthritis.  Omega 3 oil is also thought to reduce risk of heart disease.
 
It is recommended to have 1-2 servings of fish or other seafood a week for good health.  Omega oil is also found in flaxseed oil, walnuts and a small amount in red meats.

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Vitamin Supplements 

If you are unable to achieve a healthy food intake, vitamin supplements may be necessary.  Talk with your Doctor about this.
 
Alternative Arthritis treatments 
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Alternative treatments are available for many chronic diseases.  Discuss these with your Doctor before you try them as they may interact with your treatment.

Need more help? 
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Therapy Professionals Ltd has experienced Dietitians who can provide group or individual nutrition education.  For Enquiries:  phone 377 5280.

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Calcium

• Bones need a constant supply of calcium to stay strong and healthy.  It is never too late to start building this up.
• Adults need 1000-1300mg of calcium per day.  Calcium in food is better absorbed than calcium supplements.
• Calcium will move out of your bones if you are inactive.  Regular exercise means the calcium will stay in your bones.
• Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of Calcium and is available from sunlight. Thirty minutes outside every day, even in the shade, allows adequate Vitamin D to be made in your skin.

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Ways to Maintain Healthy Weight 

To lose weight
 
Even a small reduction in body weight will relieve stress on joints

• Replace sugar in drinks with artificial sweetener.
• Use trim milk ‘calcitrim’ milk.  This has less fat and more calcium than regular milk.
• If you enjoy a biscuit with a cuppa, have a plain, un-iced one, and have only one!
• Use tinned fruit that has no added sugar
• Use diet soft drinks or cordials
• Have small servings of meat, medium serve of potato and fill up on vegetables for the main meal
• Treats are for sharing.  Share a cake, dessert or sweet gifts.
• If you eat for comfort or company, write a list of other things you enjoy.  For example phone a friend, have a relaxing bath, listen to music, do an easy puzzle, go for a walk, pick flowers
• Exercise regularly for general good health

 
Ways to gain weight 
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For some people, keeping weight on can be a struggle

• Have small regular meals with nourishing snacks inbetween
• Make sure everything you eat and drink is packed with good high calorie foods eg milky coffee, grated cheese on vegetables, butter on biscuits
• Consider having your main meal at midday if you get tired towards evening. Have dessert for afternoon tea or supper.
• Drink high protein milkshakes made with Complan or Sustagen powders.
• If cooking makes you tired, use convenience foods, for example, frozen meals, ready-made custard, cheese slices.  

If you would like advice from our Dietitians, call us, we come to you
 
                                    Therapy Professionals Ltd
                                    Phone No:     (03) 377 5280
                                    Email:             admin@tpl.nz
                                    Website:         www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz