DIET plays an important role in keeping the body fueled and healthy.
My Uncle Gustave recently complained of pain in his joints. After forcing him to see a doctor, the family learned that he had arthritis. “Goof grief, I am now officially ole,” he told his wife, my Aunt Tita Blitte.
She quickly corrected him: “Tave, people in their 20s get that lifestyle malady.”
As with all other diseases, early detection and intervention will help reduce damage. Early treatment will improve a person’s quality of life and function. This is why my uncle was glad he listened to us.
There are many factors contributing to arthritis. According to an article on eular.org, a person is at risk of having this disease due to the following: Infection in the joints, sports injuries, being overweight, smoking, among others.
This is why World Arthritis Day was created to raise awareness of this less-talked about disease. People tend to dismiss it as the “disease of the old.” But Arthritis Foundation reported that arthritis has no respect of sex, age or work. People as young as 18 can have it.
A change of lifestyle and eating habits can help in reducing the symptoms. My uncle received a list that even The Joker would not laugh at.
Sardines (tamban, tuloy and tawilis), mackerel (anduhaw), all organ meats and bacon are some of the stuff a person needs to avoid. These are rich in purine (a chemical), which is broken down by the body and converted to uric acid. This acid is the villain that creates the problem.
My uncle smiled when his doctor told him he could have any beverage, except alcohol, because he is a teetotaler. Well, except during holidays. He does have a glass of wine, but that is all.
Included in the list of food he can eat are eggs and dairy products. Fish and lean meat are fine. Olive oil and vegetables can be on his plate. Legumes, spinach (local variety, alogbati), asparagus and mushrooms are out for now.
“It’s a wake-up call for me. My doctor told me to do my own observations also about what foods trigger pain. Ah, now I can plan my meals,” he said.
Now, that’s positive thinking.