Is There the Perfect Diet to Reduce Anti-Inflammatory Pain?

An orthopedic doctor I saw suggested a diet designed by Michael Klaper which is supposed to reduce the pain from arthritis. Almost 40 million people in the US and 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. I would like to know if anyone reading this article has tried any specific diet to reduce the pain from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or any other anti-inflammatory disease. The first two days of the diet you only drink celery and cucumber juice.

He also believes people with autoimmune disease have “leaky gut syndrome”. Dr. Klaper’s diet is quite strict, and I am not sure I want to try it.

Eat only the food listed above, then, after 12 days you can add some new foods slowly (every 48 hours, or preferably 72 hours), including pumpkin, millet, basmati rice, sushi rice, zucchini, yellow squash, cantaloupe, papaya, and lemons.

After 30 days you can reintroduce some new foods slowly, including potatoes, corn, honey, edamame beans, oatmeal, broccoli, cauliflower, and several fruits. After 90 days you can slowly add some nuts, beans and whole-grain bread. You will never eat meat, fish, cheese, eggs, or any milk product on this diet.

The leaky gut syndrome is disputed by some doctors, but Harvard physicians explain the leaky gut problem. There is 4,000 square feet of surface area in the gut lining of your abdomen. There is a tight barrier when everything is normal, but an unhealthy gut lining could have “large cracks or holes”. Obviously, this would allow toxins, partially digested food and bugs to leak into surrounding tissues.

They state that autoimmune diseases may be caused by this condition. Harvard states that there are no medical studies that show the cause and effect of this condition.

Dr. Kaplan states fragments of protein leak into the bloodstream, especially chicken, egg, milk and wheat proteins. He states this is an important factor for people with colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Fish has inflammatory-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, so several diet experts suggest 3-4 ounces of fish twice-weekly (particularly salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel).

Soybeans (edamame and tofu) are also high in fiber and protein. Use avocado, safflower and extra virgin oil. Green tea is excellent as well.

Walnuts and cherries are often listed in these diets. Juices from oranges, grapefruits or lime are healthy choices. Low-fat dairy is acceptable and cheese is loaded with calcium and vitamin D. If dairy is a problem for you, try leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage spinach, etc. Beans, garlic, leeks, and nuts are listed on most of these diets. Brown rice, oatmeal and whole-grain cereals are also acceptable.

Both the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Heart Association both suggest eating 3 to 4 ounces or cold-water fish twice weekly. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries all have an anti-inflammatory effect. Coconut oil is also preferable to other oils, and it has become more popular recently.

Sugar is unacceptable on all diets. Honey or agave is a better choice. A glass of wine is fine, and turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb. A glass of wine or a beer may actually reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. So, studies have been mixed regarding alcohol consumption.

I think eating a healthy diet is important, but you must consider what type of diet works for you. I know many people are vegetarians, and live well.

I did try juicing vegetables and eating a vegetarian diet for 6 weeks one time. I think I did feel a little better, but I caved on the diet.

Dr. Kaplan’s diet doesn’t even allow fish! I eat a salad every day for lunch, and I do not use much salt. I cannot say I never eat processed foods. I think Dr. Kaplan’s diet is a difficult one for long term use, and the suggestions from some of the other physicians seem more reasonable. You can still almost be a vegetarian, but fish and lean meats occasionally sound better. I would really like to hear from anyone that has struggled with this decision.