March is National Nutrition Month

From New York City (where you can’t get an oversized soda any longer) to school lunch rooms, nutrition is being discussed more than any other time in recent history. And because nutrition plays an important part in better health for those with arthritis and other connective-tissue disorders, The Arthritis & Infusion Center would like for you to consider adding fiber (vegetables and fruits), as well as healthy fats to your diet. (For a complete list of acceptable foods, go to the federal government’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans”.) Of course, it should go without saying that you should also drink plenty of fluids, but watch your intake of caffeine and alcohol.


But why is good nutrition so important? If you stick to real food, as opposed to processed meals, it literally fuels your body. Reducing the quantity of food in favor of quality meals is critical. Eating properly will help reduce cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of colon cancer, and help you remain “regular”, especially if you add yogurt with live cultures.  If you eat a lot of fiber, you’ll find it easier to lose weight, because your appetite will be satiated; and, the less weight you put on your joints, the better!

For people who suffer from arthritis, Omega-3 fats have an anti-inflammatory effect, and Calcium is also recommended to strengthen your bones in order to prevent breakage.

Don’t forget that Dr. Crayton always advises his patients: “Pain is not normal!” So, if you are maintaining good dietary habits, but pain persists, contact us to get to the root of your discomfort. Don’t let a poor diet complicate your health issues! The better you eat … the better you’ll feel!