The Paleo Diet And Arthritis

paleo-diet-and-arthritis

I'm going Paleo to help with my arthritis


I decided to try the Paleolithic diet to see if it will ease my arthritis symptoms in my right knee. Last autumn my orthopedic doctor diagnosed me with moderate arthritis. He even stated if I had been running the last few years, my arthritis would have been severe, not moderate.

I did physical therapy and everything was fine until I decided to take a spinning class on Mondays in January. It was a little too much for the little old knee. I should have started out a little slower in class, by not attempting to do too many standing jumps and squats. My right knee swelled up and still is a little swollen. This new reality made me decide to make some drastic changes to my health and fitness lifestyle.
Most of my fitness routines will be low-impact and no more extreme exercise pour moi. You won't catch me doing, Insanity, Cross-fit, extreme boot-camp classes and etc. I also decided to eat more foods that decrease inflammation in the body. I read an article that said that the Paleo diet helps with the inflammation flare-ups. 

According to a paper published by Dr. Loren Cordain in the March 2000 edition of the "British Journal of Nutrition," a Paleolithic diet may combat the development of arthritis. Dr. Cordain noted that there is a high correlation between inflammation of the gut and inflammation of the joints. He proposed that this is due to lectins, a protein often found in grains that can lead to auto-immune problems when consumed in large quantities.  Source: LiveStrong - Paleo Diet and Arthritis




What is the Paleolithic diet?

Pa·le·o di·et
A diet based on foods presumed to have been eaten by early man, consisting of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit, and that excludes dairy, sugary drinks, grain products, and processed food.

I won't be a purist or a food nazi on this plan, even early man didn't really follow the Paleo diet. Many anthropologists report that our Paleolithic family members were nutritional opportunists. They ate what they found, which could have been from roots, starchy foods, to rotting carcasses.  I'm not completely sold that this will help, however; I will try to stay away from processed foods, sugars and grains. If my symptoms decrease, then I will see how I can make the Paleo diet fit into my lifestyle. 

I ate the following foods on Monday 23, 2015 and I didn't eat much because I wasn't that hungry.

Breakfast
Apple
1/4 cup of mixed nuts
Water 

Lunch
Tilapia with a vegetable medley
Water

Dinner
Broiled salmon with a raspberry walnut vinaigrette marinade
Broccoli
1/4 cup of walnuts
Water

Have you tried the Paleo diet and what are the pros and cons of this meal program for you? Are you a Paleo purist? 

Don't want to cook? Try a Paleo Diet Delivery Service




Comments

  1. I did Whole30 and I loved the way it made me feel, think of food and what we put in our bodies. They are a perfect 30 day plan to see if it is (and what is/is not) right and good for you. Check them out.
    I hope you feel better soon!
    Sorry to hear about your bad experience with indoor cycling class. "Squats" on a bike make me cringe.... Sorry you had to experience that.

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    1. Thanks Lena, I hope it helps and I will be vetting my spin class instructors from now on.

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  2. My cousin sent me an article about tilapia and how it isn't a natural fish. YIKE!

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  3. Paleo is a very strict diet but I would love to know if you have noticed any improvements as I got arthritis at age 19 from a car accident.

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    1. I wouldn't know yet because I started on Monday so I'm giving it a few weeks. Come back and visit and I will let you know my thoughts and results. Don't forget to subscribe.

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  4. I haven't tried a low inflammation diet, but may consider checking into it for my live healthy challenge. Interesting to see you are switching to low-impact. I'm so afraid of injuring myself - after 4 work-out injuries. I now take more days off and balance low-impact with the more intense classes like turbo combat.

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  5. Oh so sorry to hear about your arthritis! I had no idea changing your diet could help the symptoms...I hope it helps! #wowlinkup

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  6. I hope it helps! I don't think I could even go a week on Paleo since I'm still too picky of an eater.

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  7. I have been on paleo for a few months now and I absolutely LOVE it. My family has noticed changes in energy levels, better sleep, and it's insane how much better we feel all around.

    Hope this helps the arthritis too!!

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  8. I've done the Paleo Diet in the past too. It really helps me feel better and look better (some weight lost), but it's very hard to keep up with as it requires a lot more kitchen time for food prep (because of all the natural and raw/uncooked foods). Plus, it's hard to do when travelling for work. But otherwise, I love it!

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  9. I am on the Paleo Diet however a bit more restricted due to intolerances/allergies and I have to say, it's the best eating regime EVER! ;) I feel phenomenal. However, each to their own of course! I could live on salmon... Oh wait, I DO!!

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  10. I've done the Paleo diet before and it was really great for me, but like Kayla, I couldn't stick to it for too long unfortunately.

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  11. I've never tried the Paleo diet but I'm definitely interested in it. Your salmon with a raspberry walnut vinaigrette marinade sounds delicious! What's in your marinade recipe?

    Welcome to the #FitnessFriday linkup! Don't forget to add the badge to your post!

    KLP @ SavingOurStrands

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    1. Walnuts, walnut oil, raspberry vinegar, and I forgot the other ingredients.

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  12. I have never tried Paleo. It is very strict but I do try to stick to some of the principles of it. I try to incorporate some of the natural and raw foods into my diet when possible #wowlinkup

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  13. I'll have to look into this more as I have osteoarthritis!

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