Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling and limited movement. Arthritis is a common problem seen in middle age group and more in case of overweight or obese people. Arthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage normally protects the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is put on the joint, like jumping, jogging etc. Without the usual amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness. There are different forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs due to an auto immmune reaction in our body which damages the cartilage, gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation and the most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs following trauma to the joint, following an infection of the joint, being sedentary, or simply as a result of aging.

A correct diet and exercise helps to manage the symptoms of arthritis and reduce excessive weight.

Tips to be followed for arthritis management:

• Foods which are easily digestible and do not make wind or gas are good. Vegetable juices and soups are good. Juices of carrot, beat root and cucumber, fruits like apples, oranges, grapes and papaya can be taken. Cooked vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin are good. Cooking with spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, asafetida, garlic and turmeric also helps a lot.
• Avoid eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, and wind forming foods like cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes should be prohibited. Avoid taking too much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate and cocoa. Avoid smoking.
• Sleeping during daytime, staying up late in the night and mental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief etc, should be given up.
• Regular physical exercise, special exercises for the supporting musculature, and every day massage with oil, should form an important part of life style.
• Lose weight and get close to your ideal body weight. If you weigh less, then there is less weight on your joints and therefore less pain.