Can a Vegetarian Diet Cure Arthritis?
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Can a Vegetarian Diet Cure Arthritis?
Golfer and notorious fast-food junkie Phil Mickelson shocked the sports (not to mention the vegetarian) press this week by announcing that he’s adopted a vegetarian diet. Why? Mickelson has been diagnosed with an inflammatory condition called psoriatic arthritis and hopes to control the symptoms with a combination of medication, diet and lifestyle changes. Trading in the French fries for “lots of fruits and vegetables and whole wheat pasta and stuff” is probably a good idea. But simply eliminating meat doesn’t necessarily result in an anti-inflammatory diet. In fact, if you’re not careful, vegetarian diets can be quite heavy in foods that promote inflammation in the body. Vegetarians (and others) interested in fighting inflammation with food can check out my episode on Foods that Fight Inflammation.
Quiche image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.