Best Indian Diet for Arthritis: What to Eat and What to Avoidगठिया के लिए सबसे अच्छी भारतीय डाइट: क्या खाएँ और क्या न खाएँ

No diet can cure arthritis, but the right food can reduce inflammation, control weight and protect the heart, which matters because arthritis patients have a higher risk of heart disease. Here is a simple, practical Indian approach.

Foods to include

• Vegetables and fruits of many colours daily: palak, methi, lauki, carrots, guava, amla, oranges, papaya
• Whole grains: multigrain atta, jowar, bajra, ragi, daliya, brown rice
• Protein: dals, chana, rajma, soy, paneer, curd, eggs, fish
• Omega-3 sources: flaxseed (alsi), walnuts, fish such as rohu and mackerel
• Spices: haldi, ginger and garlic in normal cooking amounts
• Cooking oils in moderation: mustard, groundnut, rice bran; rotate them

Foods to limit

• Fried snacks: samosa, kachori, namkeen, pakode
• Sugar, sweets, cold drinks and bakery items
• Refined flour (maida), processed and packaged foods
• Excess salt, pickles and papad (especially if you take steroids or have BP)
• Alcohol and smoking

Common myths

• "Curd, rice or sour foods increase joint pain." There is no good evidence for this in most arthritis. Curd is a good source of calcium and protein.
• "Arthritis patients should stop dal." Only people with gout need moderate portions; dal is an important protein.
• "Haldi capsules can replace medicine." Turmeric in food is healthy, but supplements cannot control RA and can interact with medicines.